Chamber willing to take up 'Smart City' project: President

Kochi, Jan 23 (UNI) Stressing the importance of the proposed IT park, 'Smart City' in the city, the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry today expressed its willingness to take up the project at state government's conditions.

Speaking to mediapersons here, Chamber President E S Jose said the chamber with the expertise at its disposal would be able to undertake the project. A proposal was sent to Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem to set up the project successfully, he added.

Mr Jose said the proposed project was pivotal for the development of the state as it would create around 1,00,000 job opportunities in the near future.

The project could be taken up if the Dubai Internet City, with whom the government was deliberating to set up the project, was not willing to proceed with the project.

The Chamber urged the government to review the new Floor Area Ratio (FAR) as it would stall the ongoing development in the construction industry.

Regarding the Value Added Tax (VAT), the Chamber asked the government to withdraw its new rate of 20 per cent as it adversely affected the business communities.

Considering the lack of infrastructure and rising traffic in the city, the Chamber urged the government to start the process for executing the Light Metro Rail Project.

The Chamber also demanded for a comprehensive tourism policy to tap the wide tourism potential of the state.

Mr Jose said a company on the lines of the Cochin International Airport should be formed for the project for its timely completion.

In order to help the business community, the Chamber would open help centres in Thiruvananthapuram to deal with governmental work, he noted.

UNI