Industry hopes Left Front will do a WB in Kerala

Kochi, May 11: With the Left Democratic Front storming back to power in Kerala, leading chambers of business and industry in the state today hoped that the front will take a leaf out of the ''pro-development'' policies followed by the comrades in West Bengal to give a boost to investment in the state.

Talking to UNI, Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry former president C P Jain said while the Left front in Kerala did suffer from an ''anti-development'' image, a lot would depend on who becomes the next chief minister.

''We hope that the Left front in Kerala will bring down the black flags and focus its attention on policies to boost agriculture and investment in the state,'' he added.

Calling for the creation of a conducive atmosphere to attract investments to the state, Mr Jain said the signing of the stalled 'Smart City' agreement with the Dubai Internet City would send the right signals to prospective investors.

''A lot of projects can come to Kerala as people will like to invest here, especially in the IT and tourism sectors. If the Left front can pursue a pro-investment agenda in West Bengal, it should do the same in Kerala also,'' he added.

Echoing this remark, Mr Balagopala B Pillai, president, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the Left front should make good use of the strong mandate given to it by the people.

Stating that traditional industries such as coir and spices had been ''neglected'' by the UDF government, Mr Pillai said despite several ambitious plans on paper, nothing much was done on the ground.

Besides reviving the traditional sectors, efforts should be made to boost the exports from the state and attract fresh investments in industry.

''The CPI-M has adopted a new line of thinking in West Bengal and its government there is actively pursuing even FDI. They should follow the same line in Kerala also,'' he added.

UNI