Kerala’s Investment Summit Yields Rs 1,52,905.67 cr Worth Proposals: Minister P Rajeeve

KOCHI:
Kerala received Expression of Interests (EoIs) for investments worth Rs 1,52,905.67 crore from 374 companies as the two-day Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS 2025) concluded here today, Minister for Industries, Law and Coir, P Rajeeve announced.

In his presidential address at the valedictory function of the high-profile event, held at Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre, Rajeeve said these companies have evinced interest in establishing, expanding, diversifying and reinvesting in the state.

Minister for Finance K N Balagopal inaugurated the valedictory ceremony, where Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying George Kurian was the chief guest.

Deputy Leader of Opposition and former industries minister P K Kunhalikutty was present.

Rajeeve said that the Invest Kerala Global Summit will be conducted triennially. “Close on the heels of the discussion with UAE Minister of Economy, the next edition of Investopia Summit of the UAE government that brings together the global investor community will be conducted in Kerala in 2026 July,” he added.

Rajeeve said a total of 24 IT companies have expressed interests in expanding operations with an additional investment of nearly Rs 8,500 crore and additional employment of 60,000 and about 66 companies have submitted EoI for investments to the tune of over Rs 500 crore.

Terming it as a ‘new beginning’, he said the objective of IKGS 2025 has enhanced the confidence of investors in the potential of the state.

Noting that the government is looking for ‘realistic’ investment proposals, the Minister said a special committee will be constituted for framing fresh guidelines for the utilization of plantation land and also a Minister-level committee will be set up to give exemptions from the land rules.

Rajeeve informed that the government will establish a fast-track mechanism for carrying forward each EoI made at the summit. Further work on these proposals will begin from the next working day onwards. A special dashboard and mechanism will also be set up for the following up of these proposals.

To the investors’ community, Shri Rajeeve said: “I would like to ensure the business community that there is a specific structured mechanism for proper professional follow-up of each EoI. A nodal officer will be assigned and a committee chaired by the Chief Secretary will do the periodic review. Chief Minister will hold review meetings to evaluate the progress of the EoIs.”

He said a dedicated investor toll free number and email Id will be notified towards expediting the implementation of new investments, diversification and expansion of the state’s limit.

In his inaugural address, Balagopal said over the years, there has been stability in the policies of the state government and imbued a significant boost in netting investments.

George Kurian said the Kerala Government is positively inclined to the concept of federal cooperation of the Narendra Modi Government at the Centre. “Kerala was able to complete the infrastructure development projects of the Centre in a time-bound manner. This has helped the state to make progress in industrial sector and create an investment-friendly milieu,” he observed.

A Jayathilak, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Chang-nym Kim, Consul General of South Korea; K V Thomas, Kerala Govt.’s Special Representative in Delhi; Dr Krishna Ella, Co-founder and Executive Chairman, Bharat Biotech International; M A Ashraf Ali, Executive Director, Lulu Group; and Joy Alukkas, Chairman, Joy Alukkas Group, were also present.

Principal Secretary (Industries & Commerce) APM Mohammed Hanish welcomed the gathering and KSIDC Managing Director S Harikishore, proposed a vote of thanks.

A clutch of global industry leaders, planners, policymakers, entrepreneurs and prospective investors totaling 3,000 including delegates from 26 countries converged at IKGS 2025.The event also saw country-focused sessions that explored investment opportunities from six countries, including Germany, Vietnam, Norway, UAE, France and Malaysia. Besides, ambassadors from various countries also attended the summit.

IKGS had a total of 30 special sessions besides an engaging exhibition of 100 plus enterprises reflecting the focus sectors and showcased Kerala’s industrial success stories, Public Sector enterprises and an attractive display of handicrafts from Kerala’s traditional sectors.