On behalf of the opposition and the people of Kerala, I extend a warm welcome to all the distinguished delegates and investors attending the Invest Kerala Global Summit, 2025. Your presence here signifies your growing interest in Kerala’s industrial and economic potential.
Politics aside, the opposition is steadfast in its commitment to the development of our state. We firmly believe that fostering a conducive environment for investors is crucial for sustainable business growth. Regardless of political affiliations, our collective goal is to propel Kerala into a future of economic prosperity and industrial excellence.
I am very much proud to declare that opposition is taking an intiative for beginning of a new culture, we are giving our full support, in all aspects to the government to make Kerala investment friendly. I am happy to say that we have not conducted any harthals for the past 4 years.
My request to the goverment is that, when you will be in the opposition you have to continue the same culture.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) has always been pro-development. Our past governments have laid the foundation for industrial growth, initiating policies and infrastructure that have shaped Kerala’s economic trajectory. Notably, we were the first state in the country to formulate a start-up policy in 2015, setting the stage for a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Institutions such as Technopark, Infopark, and the Kerala Start-up Mission have been catalysts in the IT sector’s progress. The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and KINFRA have consistently played pivotal roles in bolstering industrial infrastructure. Investors meet including Global Investor Meet, Emerging Kerala were largely successful.
Additionally, the Cochin airport, Trivandrum airport, Kozhikode airport, and Kannur airport have improved connectivity immensely.
Kerala’s service sector has witnessed significant growth over the years. A large portion of Kerala’s economy still relies heavily on tourism, remittances, and services rather than manufacturing. With world-class tourism destinations, this sector holds immense untapped potential.
Once Kerala was notorious for trade union militancy. I am leading many of the trade unions across the state. The Industries Minister is also leading many trade unions. We are considered as the new-gen trade unionists. We are happy to say that for the last 15-20 years there have been no strikes in any companies. No strikes.
Leaders of the major trade unions are here. Now we are advising the laborers to work hard. You make the company profitable then we will bargain for you. I can proudly say that there is no trade union militancy in Kerala now.
The opening up of the education sector to private investments and the availability of affordable higher education has contributed to a highly skilled workforce.
We must continue strengthening our traditional industries, including coir, handloom, cashew, khadi, village industries, and handicrafts.The rubber industry, agro-based industries (pepper, cardamom, ginger, coconut-based industries, and food processing units), Ayurvedic medicine, and wellness tourism, among others, are some of the industries that need special focus.
As we look to the future, Kerala must embrace sunrise industries such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), 3D printing, the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, biotechnology, and blockchain. These cutting-edge sectors will define the next phase of industrial and technological revolution, and Kerala must position itself as a leader in these domains.
In conclusion, Kerala stands at a critical juncture where both traditional strengths and new-age industries must work in harmony to drive economic progress. By fostering an investor-friendly climate, enhancing infrastructure, and leveraging our unparalleled human capital, we can usher in a new era of industrial and economic prosperity.
I once again welcome all investors and stakeholders and assure you of our unwavering commitment to making Kerala an attractive and thriving destination for industrial and business growth.
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