Kerala investors' summit likely to witness major blue economy projects

Thiruvananthapuram: The two-day investors' meet to be held in Kochi on February 21 and 22 is being held after the Vizhinjam international container transshipment port became operational and is considered as a game changer in Kerala development.

A host of investment proposals tapping the opportunities of the Vizhinjam port is likely to materialise at the Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS-2025) in Kochi. Preliminary talks in this regard were held at the Vizhinjam Conclave held in Thiruvananthapuram last month.

The Vizhinjam port handled around three lakh TEUs of cargo in six months after it became operational, which was much higher than the expectations. Among the 150 ships that operated included five of the world's largest container vessels. 

"It is the right time for Kerala to tap the opportunities of the blue economy. Thanks to the Vizhinjam port," said Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry president S N Raghuchandran Nair.

He said that the state government should convince the prospective investors about the favourable factors for industrial growth in the state. The wrong perceptions about Kerala need to be changed, he said.

The investor meet to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday and will be attended by UAE minister of economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. Around 2,500 investors and members of business delegations are expected to participate. Ambassadors from 24 countries are also invited to the event. 

Sustainable technologies, industry 4.0, strategic industries, innovation in health, fintech, tourism and food processing will be the focus areas. Country focused sessions to tap investment opportunities from the countries like Germany, Vietnam, Norway, UAE, France and Malaysia will also be held.

The recent remarks of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor about the rapid growth of start-ups in Kerala as well as the industrial policies of the Left-front government could become a fillip to the event. The opposition party Congress-led United Democratic Front is also supporting the investors' meet.