The two-day Invest Kerala Global Summit began today at the Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre in Kochi. Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, inaugurated the event, which saw the participation of key dignitaries. Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, attended as the Chief Guest. Union Minister of State for Skill Development, Jayant Chaudhary, addressed the gathering, while Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, joined the session virtually.
In his address, Shri Piyush Goyal,Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, expressed India’s remarkable growth trajectory, stating, “India is contributing 16 percent of global economic growth. We have moved from being the 11th largest economy to the 5th largest in the past 10 years. By 2027, estimates suggest that India will be the third-largest economy in the world. And how can Kerala be left behind when India is progressing at this brink and speed with the opportunities that Kerala Offers Whether it is tourism, manufacturing, or logistics, in every sphere, Kerala is at the forefront of development.”
He also celebrated Kerala’s entrepreneurial spirit, referring to the Cochin International Airport, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. He recalled the unique venture where 12,000 NRI shareholders came together to invest ₹300 crore for the airport’s establishment, showcasing the entrepreneurial excellence of Keralites.Shri Goyal also lauded the state’s contribution to the global talent pool, noting that India produces the highest number of STEM graduates globally, 43% of whom are women. “Our sisters and daughters are at the forefront of India’s growth story. India is looking for women led development in the next 25 years, and we wish to see more women participating in the formal economy,” he said.In a significant development, the Minister said that the integrated manufacturing cluster in Palakkad, a smart industrial township being set up with an investment of₹3,800 crore. The initiative will boost Kerala’s industrial capacity and attract significant investments.Addressing Kerala’s key economic sector, Tourism, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, noted that tourism contributes 6.5% to India’s GDP, supporting 3.4 crore jobs. By 2034, thesector’s contribution to GDP is expected to reach 7.6%, with the potential to create 6.5 crore jobs. He underlined Kerala’s strengths in Ayurveda and Yoga,which attract global visitors, emphasizing the need for continued infrastructure development in water, power, roads, transport, and communication. Further reinforcing the focus on infrastructure, Shri Nitin Gadkari revealed that 31 new road infrastructure projects worth ₹50,000 crore, covering 896 km inKerala, would be undertaken. This massive investment aims to enhance the state’s connectivity and boost economic growth.In his address, Shri Jayant Chaudhary,Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, described Kerala as the “gateway to development.” He noted that Kerala is making significant strides in education and skill development, with the state witnessing the emergence of 6,200 startups,attracting investments worth ₹5,800 crore and creating 62,000 jobs in recent years. He expressed confidence that this momentum would continue, with a goal to scale further by 2026.The Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, in his inaugural address,highlighted the state’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. He remarked, “Kerala has witnessed the emergence of 6,200 startups, attracting ₹5,800 crore investments and creating 62,000 jobs. Our aim is to scale this further by 2026,making Kerala a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.”The Invest Kerala Global Summit is organised by the Government of Kerala in partnership with various industry groups. The summit aims to attract new investments across diverse sectors such as industry, technology, and entrepreneurship.
