Italian CEOs term Kerala as 'ideal' for tourism investment

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 28 (UNI) A team of young CEOs and entrepreneurs from Italy, who are here on a study tour, today said Kerala was an ideal destination for investing in tourism, real estate, IT and food processing.

Talking to reporters here, Director of Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Roney Simon said the team would meet Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan before returning to Italy.

Though the team had proposed to meet the Chief Minister yesterday, it could not be materialised as he had some other engagements, he added.

The 30-member-team, which includes experts in real estate, infrastructure companies, e-banking, electronics, IT and food processing, had held discussions with businessmen and government officials yesterday.

Mr Simon, who is leading the team, said this visit was only a preliminary one and all the CEOs would share their experience with their company chiefs.

The delegation would also visit the Technopark here, he added.

"In fact, we are aware that a real understanding of India's economy, society and culture--beyond the existing stereotypes in the European business community--is a fundamental starting point to establish any successful relationship with Indian operators and, more generally, with the Indian system," the touring delegation said.

Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) officials, who also were present in the press meet said, tourism and food processing were the areas which the touring team had been impressed.

Due to India's emerging role in the global arena, the team had visited Delhi, Noida, Agra before reaching here.

UNI