'Hope LDF govt fulfils developmental needs of Kerala'

Kochi, May 20: Industry body CCCI today expressed hope that the newly elected CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala would fulfil the developmental needs of the state, including timely commissioning of Kochi Metro Rail Project and supporting the plantation and rubber sectors.

Presenting its wish-list before the LDF leadership, Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) said it is confident that the new government would cater to the pending demands of trade and industry in Kerala.

"The chamber hopes that the government will do everything possible to ensure that the Metro project is commissioned on time. "We hope that the new Cabinet will seriously consider the fund requirements for KMRL so that it will accelerate the overall progress of pending work, including land acquisition," a release issued by the chamber said here.

It also sought the government’s intervention to assist the domestic rubber market. "The 5 per cent tax waiver has led to a minor increase in the rubber prices. But this has ended in March 2015. We urge the new Finance Minister to extend this to the end of the next two financial years," it said.

The chamber noted that Kerala accounts for 90 per cent of rubber plantations in the country, spread over 6.5 lakh hectares, engaging over 1.1 million farmers. It also urged the finance and revenue ministries to provide adequate funds for the state's plantation sector.

Noting that the development of the International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarapdam was a top priority for the outgoing government, the chamber hoped that the new government too would provide every assistance to the Cochin Port, ICTT and the Petronet LNG project at Puduvypeen.

"The government should push ahead with the 'city gas connection' phase as it will be a relief for thousands of consumers who are troubled by the present LPG distribution," it added.

Meanwhile, trade bodies Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Confederation of Indian Industry today congratulated AIADMK Chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa for emerging victorious in the state elections.

"SICCI congratulates Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for her meritorious victory for the second consecutive term. This is a unique achievement and the people of Tamil Nadu have given the mandate for the second term which stamps her pro-active welfare policies," SICCI President Palani G Periasamy said in a press release.

CII Southern Region Chairman Ramesh Datla said, "The landmark victory of AIADMK led by J Jayalalithaa strongly demonstrates the popular support for her proactive and inclusive governance in the last five years."

PTI