NRIs and others invited to invest in Kerala projects.

By VM Sathish on Monday, June 29, 2009

Non-Resident Indians and foreign investors will be invited to take part in medium- to mega-size projects in Kerala at an exhibition next month.

Focus Kerala - World Investors Meet is being organised by the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Government of Kerala's Department of Industries and Commerce and the Central Bank.

It will take place in Kochi on July 24 and 25.

Many UAE investors are involved in major projects in Kerala and the state is trying to woo NRIs who are planning to relocate to India due to the global economic crisis.

Investment opportunities are being offered in downstream projects linked to a trans-shipment hub being developed by Dubai World and a liquefied natural gas terminal project being developed by Petronas to receive fuel for industrial use in south Indian states.

The International Container Transshipment Terminal at Vellarpadam, Kochi, a proposed major port at Vizhinjam, Trivandrum, and the LNG terminal will offer major opportunities in the import-export business and downstream sectors.

The exhibition will provide an opportunity for NRIs returning home to find investment and employment opportunities in the state. Projects in tourism, food processing, infrastructure, information technology, rural retail, media, financial services, education, manufacturing industries, logistics will be showcased.

"The chamber has identified various projects in the state," NA Mohammed Kutty, Director, told Emirates Business.

"The state is listed as a must-see tourism destination and there are investment opportunities for home stays and hotels in Trivandrum, farm tourism in Alappuzha, eco tourism and ayurvedic resorts in Malappuram and adventure tourism in Wayanad.