Bengaluru Beckons: Kerala Minister P Rajeev Holds Investor Roadshow In IT Capital

After securing 1,710 acres of land for the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (KBIC), which is an extension of the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC), the Kerala government is now working to attract businesses, with a particular focus on inviting companies from Karnataka.

The project, situated in the Pudussery-Kannambra region of Palakkad, has already received environmental clearance and will proceed in phases once central government funding is initiated.

During a roadshow in Bengaluru, organised by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Kerala's Minister for Industries, Coir, and Law, P Rajeev, addressed top investors about Kerala's aspirations to become a manufacturing hub.

However, the minister said that the state is selective about the types of industries it wishes to attract.

"We don't want big polluting industries; they are not suitable for Kerala and its geographical region. Through our 'New Industrial Policy,' we have set 22 priority areas and we intend to abide by those," P Rajeev stated.

The minister underscored Kerala's commitment to sustainable development, preferring non-polluting industries that align with the state's environmental needs.

He also highlighted Kerala's potential to evolve into a knowledge-based economy, thanks to its highly skilled workforce. The state already boasts a thriving business ecosystem, with 23.79 lakh MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) operational.

P Rajeev added that Kerala has earned a strong reputation for "ease of doing business," signaling the state's readiness to support new ventures.

This roadshow in Bengaluru is part of a series of promotional events planned by the State Industries Department, leading up to the Global Investors Meet, which is scheduled to take place in Kochi early next year. The aim of these events is to build momentum and attract more investors to explore opportunities in Kerala's growing industrial landscape.