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The Invest Kerala Global Summit, a two-day event held at the Lulu International Convention Centre in Bolgatty, Kerala, successfully showcased the state's vibrant industrial landscape and its promising investment opportunities. The summit's accompanying expo, inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, served as a compelling platform for various industrial sectors to exhibit their products and attract potential investors. The expo's extensive display, comprising over 100 stalls, highlighted Kerala's 22 priority sectors, demonstrating the state's commitment to diverse and sustainable economic growth.
The diversity of exhibitors underscored Kerala's multifaceted industrial prowess. The presence of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from sectors such as food processing, manufacturing, and rubber showcased the significant contribution of these businesses to the state's economic progress. The Ayurveda and healthcare sectors, represented by a wide array of products from traditional massage tables to Ayurveda travel kits and health food, illustrated Kerala's unique strengths in the wellness sector. This showcases the state’s potential for blending traditional practices with modern market demands. The inclusion of these diverse sectors highlighted the potential for investors to explore a range of opportunities aligned with varying risk profiles and interests.
Beyond the MSMEs, the expo offered a glimpse into Kerala's larger industrial achievements and technological advancements. The Cochin Shipyard pavilion displayed a model of the INS Vikrant, the indigenously built aircraft carrier, and a model of India's first water metro, underscoring Kerala's capabilities in shipbuilding and infrastructure development. The Vizhinjam port also had a dedicated stall showcasing its potential to become a major maritime hub, attracting further investment in logistics and trade. Similarly, the Samudra Shipyard from Alappuzha highlighted investment prospects within the state's maritime and boat-building sector, further solidifying Kerala's position as a maritime powerhouse. These large-scale projects demonstrate Kerala’s capacity to execute complex infrastructure projects, attracting investors seeking opportunities in substantial ventures.
The expo also highlighted Kerala's prowess in high-technology sectors. The BrahMos supersonic missile's display showcased the state's involvement in advanced defence technology. The success of integrating the BrahMos missile onto the Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft, a complex technological feat, presented a strong case for further investment in defense-related research and development. This success story highlights Kerala’s potential to attract investment in cutting-edge technologies and contribute to national security. The showcased technology is not only a national achievement but also demonstrates to potential investors the high level of technological expertise present within the state.
Public sector enterprises also played a prominent role in the expo. Institutions such as the Kerala Coir Development Corporation, Keltron, Kerala State Bamboo Mission, Hantex, Khadi, Cashew Development Corporation, Kerala Soaps, and K-Fon demonstrated the capabilities of Kerala's public sector in various fields. These entities showcased the range and scope of government initiatives in supporting various sectors. Their involvement highlights the government’s active role in fostering industrial growth and creating a supportive environment for businesses.
The inclusion of start-ups such as Genrobotics and Irov Technologies injected a vibrant dynamism into the expo. The Bandicoot robot, a revolutionary invention aimed at ending manual scavenging, exemplified the state's innovative spirit and potential in technology solutions for social impact. The participation of Fuselage Innovation, an agricultural drone manufacturer with successful export orders, further demonstrated the potential of Kerala's start-up ecosystem to generate high-value exports. These successful start-ups showcase the state’s dynamism and its ability to foster a thriving entrepreneurial environment that attracts investment in new technologies and business models.
Overall, the Invest Kerala Global Summit and its accompanying expo successfully portrayed a multifaceted picture of Kerala's industrial progress and investment potential. The expo's diverse range of exhibitors – from traditional industries and MSMEs to cutting-edge technology start-ups and public sector enterprises – demonstrated the state's commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. The summit served as a significant platform to attract both domestic and international investors, highlighting Kerala's potential to become a major player in various industrial sectors. The clear messaging around industrial policies and the presentation of success stories from both public and private entities significantly increased the summit’s impact in terms of attracting future investment and partnerships.
Source: Expo at Invest Kerala Summit focuses on the State’s industrial growth