Thaindian News

Thiruvananthapuram, May 22 (IANS) In a major boost for the ‘Emerging Kerala’ Global Connect campaign, Britain Tuesday showed keen interest in infrastructure projects and promised to provide their details to companies back home.

British Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai Mike Nithavrianakis met with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and senior officials here to discuss investment opportunities in Kerala’s core sectors to accelerate its economic growth.

The Kerala team apprised Nithavrianakis of a number of major upcoming projects, including NIMZ (National Investment Manufacturing Zone), development of minor ports, excellence in higher education, LNG-based power plants and development of inland waterways.

“The British diplomat expressed keen interest in the projects and also promised to share these project profiles with top companies in the UK,” Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) V. Somasundaran said.

“Plans are also on the anvil to bring in a ministerial level visitor from the UK,” he added.

The British team also evinced interest in sectors like information technology, healthcare and education, which, along with infrastructure, are the core sectors of ‘Emerging Kerala’ Global Connect event that is slated to be held in Kochi in September.

“The UK team was very impressed with the positive response and appreciated the interaction with the chief minister and his team. In particular, they noted the highly skilled workforce and the quality of life in Kerala,” said Alkesh Sharma, Secretary, Industries (I&P;) and managing director, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation.

The team also visited Technopark and Technocity to get first-hand knowledge of the activities and business opportunities there.