Emerging Kerala - Biennial Global Connect

Kochi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will inaugurate—Emerging Kerala 2012—a three-day summit which will be held at Kochi from September 12 to 14.

Emerging Kerala 2012, the flagship global connect programme of the state government, has attracted a host of invitees from within India and around the globe.

Besides ministers from Kerala who are in the Union Cabinet, Union Ministers expected to attend Emerging Kerala 2012 include Kumari Selja, Shri. Anand Sharma, Shri. Kamal Nath, Shri. Ghulam Nabi Azad and Shri. Vilasrao Deshmukh, with many others expected to join ahead of the event.

Alongside state and central ministers, dignitaries including senior government officials, corporate leaders, heads of governments, diplomats and foreign trade delegations, heads of financial institutions, leading economists, renowned scholars, business leaders and other eminent personalities are expected to join in as well.

An official delegation from China’s Yunnan Province will be led by Mr.Zhu Fei, the Deputy Director General of the Department of Commerce.

Dr Francoise Cluzeau, Senior Adviser at the UK-based National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, will deliver a keynote address on ensuring quality in healthcare services in Kerala. Policy experts and thought leaders including Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of India; Dr Sam Pitroda, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Kerala’s Mentor; Prof. Gita Gopinath, Professor of Economics at Harvard University; leading industrialists and top executives of some of India’s best known companies such as Tata, Infosys, Godrej and Mahindra and Mahindra.

The League of Arab States has resolved to take part in the event and their trade and diplomatic delegations are expected to arrive two days in advance for high-level discussions and dialogue. Diplomatic delegations from several other countries, including the UK, US, Australia and Singapore, have already visited the state in the run-up to the event and expressed interest in inter-governmental and business partnerships.

Emerging Kerala will feature sectoral conferences, policy dialogue sessions, B2B and B2G meets and other networking opportunities.

Participants can register for the Emerging Kerala event through the official website (emergingkerala2012.org).

Spread across three days of the Emerging Kerala summit will be plenary sessions on subjects ranging from a review of the existing Kerala development model to infrastructure growth and financial reforms.

Special sectoral sessions will cover 11 areas that have the potential to become Kerala’s growth engines, including IT and ITES, Knowledge services, Tourism, Healthcare, Energy, Science and Technology, Infrastructure and Financial Services. State departments and government undertakings will unveil new development projects that offer opportunities for partnerships and PPP-mode investments.

These include some of the planned mega infrastructure schemes such as the High Speed Rail Corridor, the Kannur International Airport, the National Investment and Manufacturing Zone and the Kochi Metro.

The summit will have B2B and B2G connects, besides special sessions for Non Resident Keralites and business networking opportunities.

KSIDC, the nodal agency for the event, and trade and industry partners CII and NASSCOM have been organising road shows and promotional events across India and overseas in the run up to the summit.

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Kerala, which is aggressively campaigning to lure investments, will hold a road show in Bangalore on July 20 with a focus on IT sector investments as part of its upcoming 'Emerging Kerala-2012 Global Connect' slated for September.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, accompanied by his senior Cabinet colleagues and officials, will lead the road show in the city on July 20, in the run-up to Emerging Kerala-2012 Global Connect to be held from September 12 to 14 in Kochi.

Industries and IT Minister P K Kunhalikutty will meet the captains of trade and industry at a business meet in the morning, while Chandy will lead the second leg of the campaign in the evening by showcasing the states potential and opportunities before leaders of the IT industry, a release issued here today said.

"The major focus of the road show in Bangalore is to unfold the growing possibilities for investment in Kerala, especially in key sectors such as IT and ITES where the state has a huge pool of manpower and expertise," said Alkesh Sharma, Secretary, Industries-IP and Managing Director, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC).

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The Kerala government is trying to attract captains of industry in Karnataka to make the coastal state a preferred investment destination.

"We are willing to go the extra mile to make our state a preferred destination for prospective investors from Karnataka and other states through policy initiatives and infrastructure support," a senior Kerala official said here on Friday.

Outlining policy measures to attract investments in his state at a road show for the 'Emerging Kerala 2012 Global Connect' trade event to be held at Kochi September 12-14, state planning board vice-chairman and former cabinet secretary KM Chandrasekhar said procedures would be simplified for speedy clearances of investment proposals.

"We want investors to tell us where things can go wrong and delays can occur so that we can correct the procedures and prepare better for the investment summit," Chandrasekhar told representatives of the industry across verticals in manufacturing and services.

The state is focusing on building infrastructure, including power and highways through public private participation (PPP), industry clusters for manufacturing units in large, medium and small-scale segments, knowledge industry for IT services and products, electronics, agro-processing and skill development.

"We are, however, committed to ensure that development would be sustainable and environment-friendly, as we are proud of our unique ecology and will preserve it at any cost," Chandrasekhar asserted.

Kerala Additional Chief Secretary V Somasundaran said a cabinet sub-committee had been set up to approve fast-track projects within 90 days of applying for early implementation and job creation.

"We also have an online single-window agency for entrepreneurs and companies to secure faster clearances in a transparent manner," he noted.

Clarifying that the upcoming event would not be one-off or an agreements' signing exercise, Chandrasekhar said the three-day summit would showcase the state for cross-fertilisation of ideas and business-to-business (B2B) relations.

"We want the summit to be business-led, convince industrialists and entrepreneurs to stay invested and become partners in the all-round development of the state," Chandrasekhar observed.

For attracting investments in the knowledge sector, technology parks are being set up across the state with plug-and-play facilities, two overseas cable landings, data connectivity, low operational costs and a talent pool of young professionals.

Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment vice-president VN Rajasekharan Pillai said the state government would invite collaboration in water purification technology and in traditional sectors such as coir, cashew and handloom for value addition through research and development in natural plant products.

"We want pharma firms to identify unique molecules through isolation and purification of these medicinal plants. Such efforts will lead to global-level breakthroughs, at the same time fostering a non-polluting, eco-friendly industry," he said

A cross-section of industry and business leaders and representatives of trade commissions in this tech hub participated in the day-long road show.

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A Dubai based consortium of NRIs from various countries around the world propose to invest over Rs 2000 crore in Kerala to set up IT/ITES enabled Business Parks and Life Spaces projects.

The investments would primarily be through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Sebastian Joseph, Chairman of the Consortium, told reporters here.

The proposed 'Emerging Kerala' initiative of the state government here next month and its investment friendly policies have given the NRIs confidence to start their project in Kochi, he said.

Pravasi Investment Consortium & Equity Holdings Ltd (PRINCE Holding) promoted Prince GATES ( Global Advanced Technology Enabled Society) projects are proposed to be set up in about 100 acres in Kochi, Joseph said.

The consortium is awaiting clearances from the concerned authorities and discussions are on with various government authorities and execution partners in this regard, he said. The project is expected to give 20,000 job opportunities.

Each GATES project will contain a Special Business Zone, a Centre for Excellence in Advanced Technology and Innovation, an International Financial Centre, an Education Zone and Hospiltality zones comprising clubs, spas, Service apartments and NRI facilitation centre, he said.

This is perhaps first of its kind investment by NRIs in the country.

At least 350-500 NRIs are participating in each of the projects as a part of the consortium. After the Kerala project takes off, plans are to replicate the same model in other major South Indian cities like Bangalore and Chennai, Joseph said.

The development is envisaged to be completely 'sustainable' and 'self sufficient'.

The focus is to collectively pool resources of individual consortium members to create an infrastructure that is conducive to and supporting of technology based firm.

It is aimed at facilitating interaction, technology development, economic growth, new venture creation, Shaji Baby John, Chairman Kings Infra Ventures ltd, said.

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e_arunsid said:

നമ്മുടെ നാട്ടില്* ഏതൊരു ഒരു കല്യാണം നടക്കുമ്പോള്* ...എല്ലാ കുടുംബത്തിലും എന്ത് ചെയ്താലും ഹാപ്പി ആവാതെ കുറ്റം മാത്രം പറയുന്ന ചില ടീംസ് ഉണ്ടാകും.... അത് തന്നെ ആണ് എവിടേം നടകുന്നത് ....

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The healthcare sector is arguably the early gainer at Emerging Kerala, attracting Rs. 3,055 crore worth of proposals, including an investment offer by six companies for Rs. 2,655 crore and a partnership project between KSIDC and private entrepreneurs for Rs. 400 crore.

This follows DM Healthcare group of Dr Azad Mooppan announcing investments worth Rs. 2,150 crore as part of ongoing projects that include an integrated medical township, super specialty hospitals and a medical college.

The second day proposals include Life Academy of Medical Sciences’ medical college-cum-super specialty hospitals in Thrissur, Thiruvanant-hapuram and Kozhikode at an estimated Rs. 1,200 crore.

Other private projects: Nano Biotech SEZ and Knowledge City by Pushpagiri Medical College Trust Rs. 875 crore, Healthcare Village in Kochi by BCG group Rs. 320 crore, Biosimilar Drugs Manufacturing Unit by Mir Life Sciences, Kochi, Rs. 130 crore, ayurveda medical college and research centre at Vagamon Rs. 30 crore by the DC School of Medical Sciences and a super specialty hospital in Ernakulam by Lifeline Hospital-Adoor Rs. 100 crore.

KSIDC has proposed a biomedical devices hub at Life Sciences Park near Thonnakkal at a cost of Rs. 400 crore over the next three to five years.
Chitra Medical Centre will have a role in the hub and Terumo Penpol has shown interest.

EMKE promises 13,000 jobs

Six months from now, EMKE group, which is to open the country’s biggest shopping mall and two hotels here, will ensure jobs to at least 13,000 people.
Group managing director Yusuffali MA told Deccan Chronicle that no longer should the youth from here struggle in the Gulf. “The Gulf model has to be replicated here. We have to ensure jobs and business right here so that our youth do not have to go out and toil,” he said.

The group, which runs a chain of malls in the Gulf under LuLu brand, employs more than 29,000 people from 27 different countries. Of this 18,000 are Indians.

The shopping mall at Edappally has more than 300 shops already booked. It will have 20 food courts, nine cinema houses and a dining centre, giving direct jobs to at least 11,000 people.

“I should do things and then talk. I cannot invite investors without investing here. And that is why at this meet I can say that people should come to Kerala and invest”, he said.

Along with the mall, the group is setting up a Marriot brand hotel, which opens by July. The other Marriot hotel near the Kochi international airport would open by the end of next month.

One among the brains behind Emerging Kerala, Mr Yusuffali says he is contended with the response and says this does not end with three days.
NRK set to launch Rs. 1,250 cr projects

It was 12 years ago that Ameer Ahamed, a non-resident Keralite from Kodungaloor, who has been in Oman for the last 28 years, burnt his fingers and wound up his one-time successful mineral water business.

But he is now back with two projects and says he is determined to set up his business in Kerala and has a point to prove to investors from across the globe that the state is an investment destination.

Mr Ameer, through his Manappat group, is to set up a multiuser mall at an estimated Rs. 250 crore at Perumbavoor, outside the city. This should provide direct employment to at least 200 people. The land has been bought and all clearances got. Work will start this year end.

The other project is an IT/ITES park near Kozhikode airport for which he has acquired 35 acres. When completed, the total investment would be around Rs. 1,000 crore, he said.

While a good part of the investment would be his own funds, he is modeling it on Sam Pitroda’s idea of a development fund, collecting small amounts from NRKs, keen on investing.

Mr Ameer Ahamed believes he can succeed and also help NRKs with small funds, without knocking at the government for assistance.
Sea plane project gets wings

The sea plane project, mooted at Emerging Kerala, got a leg-up on Thursday with chief minister Oommen Chandy assuring concessions on ATF tax rates.
Addressing a business meet on sea plane, Mr Chandy, however, said the government would pursue an open sky policy. It was encouraging to learn that there were already 58 applicants for the project.

Meanwhile, Pawan Hans, leading helicopter company, on Thursday made a strong pitch for the project, indicating its willingness to launch services in three months.

The company conducted a feasibility study and identified over 10 locations suited to launch the service, including the three airports in the state.
They are Kottapuram, Banasura Sagar, Kozhikode airport, Malampuzha, Idamalayar, Kochi-Bolgatty, Mattupetty (Idukki), Vembanad Lake (Kumarakom), Thiruvananthapuram airport, Kappil, Kollam (Ashtamudi Lake), Punnamada Lake (Alappuzha) and Munnar.

Mr Jesper Hougaard of Maldivian Air Taxi made a presentation on the sea plane operations. He said in given conditions, the sea plane could be operated at a cost of $ 1,200 for an hour.

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കൊച്ചി. വമ്പൻ പദ്ധതികളുമായി രാജ്യാന്തര ഐടി ഭീമൻ ഐബിഎം കേരളത്തിലേക്ക്. ഇതിന്റെ ഭാഗമായി കൊച്ചി സ്റ്റാർടപ് വില്ലേജിൽ ഇന്നവേഷൻ സോൺ തുടങ്ങും. ഐബിഎം രാജ്യാന്തര വ്യവസായ സംരംഭക പദ്ധതിയിലും കേരളത്തെ ഉൾപ്പെടുത്തും. നാല് എൻജിനീയറിങ് കോളജുകളിൽ മികവിന്റെ കേന്ദ്രവും ആരംഭിക്കും. പുതിയ ഗവേഷകരെ കണ്ടെത്താനുള്ള രാജ്യാന്തര പദ്ധതിയിലും കേരളം വരും.

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കൊച്ചി: കൊച്ചിയിൽ കപ്പൽ അറ്റകുറ്റപ്പണികേന്ദ്രം ആരംഭിക്കുന്നതിനുള്ള ധാരണാപത്രം എമേർജിങ് കേരളയുടെ ചടങ്ങിൽ വെച്ച് ഒപ്പുവെച്ചു. കേന്ദ്ര ഷിപ്പിങ് മന്ത്രി ജി.കെ.വാസന്റേയും മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി ഉമ്മൻചാണ്ടിയുടേയും സാന്നിധ്യത്തിലായിരുന്നു എമേർജിങ് കേരളാ വേദിയിൽ കരാർ ഒപ്പുവെക്കൽ.

കൊച്ചിയിലെ വെല്ലിങ്ടൺ ഐലൻഡിലെ 45 ഏക്കർ സ്ഥലമാണ് കപ്പൽ അറ്റകുറ്റപ്പണികൾക്കുള്ള കേന്ദ്രം നിർമ്മിക്കാനായി അനുവദിച്ചിട്ടുള്ളത്. കൊച്ചിൻ ഷിപ്പ് യാർഡിന്റെ നിയന്ത്രണത്തിലാകും ഈ സ്ഥാപനം പ്രവർത്തിക്കുക. 750 കോടി രൂപയുടെ വ്യവസായനിക്ഷേപമാണ് പദ്ധതിയിലൂടെ യാഥാർത്ഥ്യമാകുന്നതെന്ന് കേന്ദ്രമന്ത്രി ജി.കെ.വാസൻ പറഞ്ഞു.

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Kochi: Gulf-based KEF Company today said it will invest around Rs 1,600 crore in Kerala to set up new projects, including a five-star hotel.

The company that operates out of Dubai International Financial Centre will set up three factories here at a cost of Rs 250 crore-Rs 300 crore, KEF company Chairman Fazal Kottikollon told reporters here.

He said the company will also set up a 500-bed hospital costing Rs 500 crore and a five-star hotel with a Rs 850 crore investment at Kozhikode.

The projects will create 5,000-10,000 jobs, Kottikollon said.

The three factories will be integrated manufacturing facilities specialising in pre-cast concrete technology for making kitchens, toilets, doors and windows.

The precast plant is envisaged as a high tech, quality controlled facility that promises to be "game changing" initiative for Kerala's infrastructure sector by enhancing quality and expediting on time project execution. The factories are expected to be ready in eight months, he said.

This will be followed by opening of a 500-bed hospital at Kozhikode, which is being built through a joint venture with the Peekay Group, a leading business entity in Kerala, and well-known cardiologist Ali Faizal.

The hospital is expected to open by the end of next year.

The super speciality facility would focus on cardiac sciences, neuro sciences and orthopedics along with rehabilitation programme, Kottikollon said. The company aims to create a research-based centre of excellence and establish it as a novel centre of medical tourism in the region.

The hotel will be spread over 30 acres at Chelembra in Kozhikode, and will have a convention centre to accommodate over 3,500 people and a shopping complex.

Kottikollon said his firm also plan to set up similar projects at other locations, including Thiruvananthapuram and Mangalore.

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കൊച്ചിൻ റിഫൈനറിയുടെ വികസന പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾക്കുള്ള ധാരണാ പത്രം സംസ്ഥാന സർക്കാരും ബിപിസിഎല്ലും ഒപ്പുവച്ചു. എമേർജിങ് കേരള വേദിയിൽ നടന്ന ചടങ്ങിൽ മുഖ്യമന്ത്രിയുടെ സാന്നിധ്യത്തിലാണ് ധാരണപത്രം കൈമാറിയത്. ബിപിസിഎൽ മേധാവി ആർ.കെ.സിങ്ങും സന്നിഹിതനായിരുന്നു. 20,000 കോടി രൂപ മുതൽ മുടക്കിൽ റിഫൈനറിയുടെ വികസന പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങളോടൊപ്പം പെട്രോകെമിക്കൽ കോംപ്ളക്സും നിർമിക്കും.

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Chief Minister Oommen Chandy with Governor of Maharashtra K. Sankaranarayanan and Home Minister
T. Radhakrishnan at the valedictory session of Emerging Kerala meet in Kochi on Friday

The three-day Emerging Kerala meet elicited 45 specific project proposals envisaging an investment of over Rs 40,000 crore.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy announced this during the valedictory function of the event here on Friday.

MAJOR PROJECTS

This includes BPCL-Cochin refinery expansion and a joint venture project of Rs 18,000 crore; Volkswagen’s engine assembly unit with an estimated cost of Rs 2,000 crore; a hospital and pre-cast concrete structure manufacturing unit of Rs 570 crore and a solar energy plant of Rs 500 crore.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has already announced the setting up of a Centre of Excellence in Entrepreneurship in the State.

A Kerala State Investment Board would be set up soon, the Chief Minister said.

Necessary amendments would be effected to the Single Window Clearance Act, including making the application process online for effective and faster clearance.

INCUBATOR SPACE

Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra) will build one lakh sq ft over the next 16 months for incubators.

The first 25,000 sq ft will be ready by May next year. This would make the existing Startup Village here the world’s largest telecom incubator.

“We will further strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem to accelerate this transformation by providing infrastructure in the form of a Technology Innovation Zone in about 10 acres of land in Kochi with an initial investment of Rs 100 crore,” Chandy said.

The zone will also house more initiatives like the Startup Village on a PPP mode in other technology areas and verticals such as telecom, data analytics, animation and gaming, VLSI, nanotechnology and biotechnology.

LOW COSTS

The zone will provide space at very low cost to the start-up companies, a cost which will cover only the operational cost.

The Government will manage the infrastructure and the innovator units will have 100 per cent operational freedom to pursue novel ideas and graduate into independent businesses.

“On successfully graduating from innovation zone, we expect the ventures to grow with seed capital and angel funding and thereafter with venture capital and private equity.

“We will issue order within 30 days on a Student Entrepreneurship Policy that provides for 20 per cent attendance and four per cent grace marks to students engaged in entrepreneurship during their study.”

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