Jose Dominic new president of Cochin Chamber of Commerce

Kochi, Aug 12 (UNI) Mr Jose Dominic, CEO and MD of Hotel and Allied Trades Private Limited has been elected as the president of the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry for 2006-07.

At the 149th Annual General Meeting of the chamber here last night, Mr Satish Murthi, senior partner of Murti and Murti Advocates and Corporate Advisors, was elected vice-president of the chamber alongwith 11 other committee members.

Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) President Anil K Aggarwal and Kerala Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem were also present at the AGM.

The outgoing president of the Cochin Chamber N Sreekumar said it was good that some positive developments had taken place recently regarding the proposed Smart City IT project in Kochi.

He also welcomed the government's decision to exempt IT and tourism from general strikes and 'hartals' and hoped that this would be extended to sectors such as shipping also.

Mr Sreekumar also called for a concerted effort on the part of the government and the chambers of commerce and industry to change the negative perception of Kerala among investors.

Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem said non-availability of industrial land with sufficient infrastructure was a major bottleneck in attracting investments to the state.

As a remedy to this, the government was in the process of establishing a company exclusively for acquiring land and developing infrastructure.

He said a task force, chaired by the chief minister, will meet next month to discuss strategies for strengthening the single window clearance system in the state.

A meeting of all export councils was planned for August 31. This will be attended by minister of state for commerce.

There were also plans to hold investors meets at two levels -- one for investors from within the state and the other for those from outside.

UNI ARC AJ 1727