Chandy invites India Inc to invest in Kerala

Mumbai, May 14 (IANS) In a bid to attract investments to Kerala, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Monday extended invitations to India Inc to forge deeper engagements with God's Own Country.

"In a changing global scenario where trade and investment barriers are rapidly breaking down, the Kerala government is keenly aware of the need for pro-active policies and reforms. We want to create the right environment to facilitate the transformation of Kerala into a business hub and a preferred investment destination," Chandy told reporters here.

Chandy said the Kerala government is creating an enabling environment that allows industries to establish and thrive in the state.

Public-Private-Partnerships, with a single-window clearance, would be the model for all mega-projects in the state, Chandy said.

He also said that an independent, high-level body has been proposed to expedite clearance and approval for projects and to settle investors' grievances.

"The state is willing to give incentives and concessions to any project that provides long-term value for its people. We have big plans for sectors that have been our strong points, such as IT, tourism and medical tourism, food and agro-processing, ports, shipbuilding and logistics, education and infrastructure development," Chandy said.

Asserting that Kerala's development initiatives are consensus-based, Chandy said his government has been working to bring together all political parties to the discussion on projects that require large-scale investment.

"We intend to ensure that Kerala's economic growth is continuous, unaffected by political and governance changes. All key decisions on mega projects are based on consensus," he added.

Kerala Industries and IT Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty was also present on the occasion.

Chandy is scheduled to hold an interactive meet with the captains of trade and industry Tuesday as part of a string of national and international road shows the Kerala government has planned in connection with the high-voltage 'Emerging Kerala' Global Connect, to be held at Kochi Sep 12-14.