LDF Govt. to develop mega industrial parks in Kerala

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

Kochi, Jul 13 (UNI) In an effort to make Kerala a destination of choice for industrialists, especially in the IT and electronic sectors, the LDF Government will develop mega industrial parks in the state, Kerala Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem said today.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Kareem said a public limited infrastructure development company will be registered for this purpose by September 30.

While government agencies such as the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and the Kerala Infrastructure Development Authority (KINFRA) will hold a 26 per cent stake in the proposed company, the balance will be offered to the public.

The company, to be run on professional lines, will develop mega industrial parks ranging from 500 to 2000 acres with all necessary facilities such as roads, electricity, industrial water supply, effluent treatment and telecom connectivity.

Some of these industrial parks would be developed as special economic zones (SEZ), the minister added.

He said a meeting will be held here on July 29 to discuss a concept paper on the project. A national-level consultancy firm will also be appointed to advice on it. Once the project is finalised, it will be brought before the cabinet for approval.

Stating that the LDF Government was keen to attract industrial investment to the state, particularly from non-resident Keralites, Mr Kareem said that it had set up a committee to look into the difficulties faced by prospective investors in the state and incentives that can be offered to woo them.

Another committee has been set up to study the industrial land utilisation in the state. Both committees are to submit their reports within two months.

Mr Kareem, who had earlier in the morning chaired an interactive meeting on the state's 'Cluster Development Programme', said this was an important initiative of the state government to protect and promote small scale and traditional industries.

At present, 42 industrial clusters were operating in the state while another 70 had been registered. The 'Cluster Development Programme', supported by UNIDO, was initiated by the Kerala government to help small scale units achieve cost reduction, value addition, technology and skill upgradation, research and development and wider markets.

These clusters were active in a variety of traditional areas such as coir, tile making, handloom and handicrafts and new ones like plastic ware.

The government wanted to bring the goods being manufactured in the clusters to be brought under a common brand name of assured quality for wider market acceptability.

UNI ARC DK1541

For Daily Alerts
Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X
X