Kerala's investment scenario is on the cusp of history says Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said Kerala's investment scenario is on the cusp of history.
Inaugurating the two-day Investment Kerala Global Summit at Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre, Kochi, the chief minister said the changes brought about by the LDF government were not incremental but substantial. After achieving a high score in Human Development Indicators, Kerala is now leaping toward achieving the status of an investment hub, he said.
The two-day summit aims to attract domestic and foreign investments.
Pinarayi said his government believes it has a great role as a facilitator and catalyst. "We have taken a holistic view and are paying equal attention to all matters, from policy formulation to the last mile implementation. We have ensured that no investors coming to Kerala will have to face a cobweb of procedural delays and meet the barriers of red tape. We have made major strides in simplifying procedures as regards investments," he said.
Addressing the summit, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the Centre was working in tandem with all states to make India a $ 30-35 trillion economy from the current $ 4 trillion, by 2047. The government will soon start talks with Bahrain for a Free Trade Agrement (FTA),
"There are unmatched opportunities for growth, development and economic opportunities in the country , he said.
Goyal said he was in Kochi to express solidarity with Kerla and urged the investors to invest in the state. "Come and enjoy the fruits of investments," he said while soliciting investors to come to the country.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, extended full support to Kerala in garnering investments. "The one major factor that plays a very vital role in attracting investments is good road infrastructure. In Kerala we have completed projects costing more than Rs 20,000 crore and at the same time there are ongoing projects worth R 60,000 crores," he said.
The minister gave details of the five packages mooted for the Palakkad - Kasargod stretch. Besides he spoke about the six laning of the Ernakulam bypass from Angamaly to Kundanoor in the NH section 554 with a length of 45 km costing Rs 6,500 crore.
Opposition leader in assembly V D Satheeshan promised support for making Kerala an investment-friendly destination. He said a collective approach was required to attract investors and promised bipartisan support for development initiatives.
Around 3000 delegates including global industry leaders, planners, policymakers, entrepreneurs and prospective investors are expected to attend the summit. It will feature country-specific sessions that will highlight investment opportunities in Germany, Vietnam, Norway, the UAE, France and Malaysia.
Additionally, diplomats from 26 countries and ministerial committees from three countries will participate in the event. Ten departments have prepared projects based on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
