KOCHI: The industry and trade chambers in the state welcomed the budget presented by Finance Minister Dr. T.M. Thomas Isaac on Friday. Describing the budget as positive V.P. Nandakumarm, Chairman of Confederation of Indian Industries, Kerala, said the government's focus on developing infrastructure for industrial development is laudable.
“The announcement of a Kochi-Coimbatore hi-tech corridor is a welcome initiative that promises significant long term benefits for business and industry as also employment opportunities in Central Kerala. The renewed emphasis placed by the budget on the tourism sector is highly appreciable.”said Mr. Nandakumar.
C.S. Kartha president Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, however expressed concern over the decision of the finance minister to increase tax to a slew of products. “We would have expected the Government to set out means to curb wasteful and unnecessary expenditure rather than trying to increase taxes across the board”, Mr. Kartha said. The Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has also welcomed the budget proposals. “It is a great relief that there are no harmful proposals either", said Raja Sethunath”, Chairman, KCCI.
