Highlighting the state’s potential in diverse sectors, Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeeve conducted over 30 one-on-one meetings with global industrial leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
This marked Kerala’s debut participation in the India Pavilion at WEF, alongside other states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Ease of doing business
Rajeeve emphasized Kerala’s transformation into a prime industrial destination, highlighting its top ranking in Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and showcasing the state’s New Industrial Policy (NIP). The Invest Kerala Pavilion drew attention to sectors like IT/ITES, space-tech, medical devices, maritime infrastructure, tourism, and MSMEs and startups.
“We have had a good round of fruitful meetings at WEF. The business leaders showed great interest in the transformation that the state’s industrial landscape has undergone on the strength of the government’s policies and expressed keen interest in the upcoming Invest Kerala Global Summit,” Rajeeve said.
Key business leaders, including Hitachi India MD Bharat Kaushal, TVS Logistics Executive Chairman R Dinesh, Heineken CEO Dolf van den Brink and Uber CEO Pradeep Parameswaran, engaged in discussions.
Apart from one-on-one meetings, the Kerala delegation, which included Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan and other senior officials, participated in panel discussions and networking events. The delegation underscored Kerala’s strengths in professional talent, world-class infrastructure, and a commitment to sustainability and inclusiveness.
MSME growth in Kerala
The Minister stressed Kerala’s vision of “responsible industry,” promoting environmentally conscious development that supports the local community. The state’s advancements in the MSME sector, startups, food, spices, and marine products processing further reinforce its diverse growth story.
Prominent visitors to the Kerala Pavilion included M A Yusuff Ali, Chairman and MD of Lulu Group International, and CII Kerala Chapter President Vinod Manjila, who facilitated several interactions.