Budget to ensure adequate allocation for trade, industry: Issac

Kozhikode, Dec 22 (UNI) The Kerala government would take every step, including adequate bugetary allocation, for development of trade, industry and tourism sectors in the state, Finance Minister T M Thomas Issac today said.

Inaugurating the month-long Malabar Shopping Festival at a glittering function, he said the government would take initiative and formulate starategies to achieve this goal.

Dr Issac said the government would also take steps to organise a Kerala shopping festival aimed at the state's overall development.

Earlier, fifty prominent personalities from divergent fields lit a ceremonial lamp marking the beginning of the mega events, including cultural, amusement and trade fair spread across various venues in the city.

The inaugural function was followed by a musicial concert by noted playback singers K S Chitra, Sreenivas, Afzal and Ganga and directed by Tej Mervin.

As many as 400 pavlions have been put up at Swapnanagari for the trade fair to be participated by major corporate houses including Maruti Udyog Ltd, LG and Samsung Electronics.

Out of the 400 stalls, Kerala Industries Department, which was adjudged as the best in the recently-conclude International Trade Fair at New Delhi, showcased its wares in 110 stalls.

State Forest Minister Benoy Viswam and Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem opened the amusement mela and trade fair respectively.

UNI PCH2002