The Oommen Chandy government has decided to organise a one day investment conference for selected ambassadors in New Delhi to present Kerala as an investor-friendly destination.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s initiative comes in the background of reports that many foreign ambassadors, especially those from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other European countries have been sending negative feedback to their respective governments regarding the investment climate in Kerala.
The move also indicates the UDF outlook on foreign investment. This is the first time that any state government is holding an ambassadors’ conference as part of investment promotion.
“We are planning to conduct the meeting exclusively for foreign ambassadors in New Delhi in a few months,” said the additional chief secretary (Industries & commerce), Mr T. Balakrishnan. “We expect 25 to 50 ambassadors from different countries to participate in the programme.”
The invitation to the ambassadors will be on the basis of the investment potential of the countries they represent. “We need at least one month more to finalise the programme,’’ said Mr Balakrishnan.
The government representatives would brief the ambassadors about the investment policy and plans of the state. It would also seek their support in instilling confidence in their respective governments about Kerala’s possibilities.
Though the government is taking an unprecedented initiative to attract investment, it would be doubly careful to avoid controversial projects and investments, sources close to Mr Oommen Chandy, told Deccan Chronicle.
The industries minister, Mr P.K. Kunhalikutty, who had received brickbats for promoting many controversial projects during the last UDF government, is more subdued this time.
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