London:
Kerala is rapidly emerging as one of the most preferred destinations of economic activity in India and ranked as one of the most investor friendly states, Minister for Public Works V K Ebrahim Kunju said in London.
Speaking at a one-day UK-Kerala Investor Meet held at the India House on Thursday, Mr Kunju said: "Kerala is rapidly emerging as one of the most preferred destinations of economic activity in the nation. We are ranked as one of the most investor friendly states in India in recent times."
He said the state has a clear development agenda to attract investments.
"The long-term sustainable and inclusive economic growth is of top most priority of the government at the moment. We are committed to give a fair, transparent and effective governance and administration in the state."
The minister also referred to some of the projects showcased at the "Emerging Kerala 2012, a global investor meet" held in Kochi recently, such as Kochi Metro Rail Project, Monorail Projects and High Speed Rail Corridor, among others.
"Apart from this, Kerala offers various investment opportunities in the tourism, healthcare, biotechnology and information technology," he told the prospective investors.
Amitabh Jain, Minister (Economic), High Commission of India, London, said Kerala has earned a reputation during the last two decades for being a top tourist destination - God's own country.
Besides being the Spice capital of India, the state has also the highest literacy rate in the country, he said.
M P Veerendrakumar, Managing Director of 'Mathrubhumi', a Malayalam daily, said "Kerala is blessed with nature and is trying to be an investor friendly state."
Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Deputy Leader of Opposition, Kerala Legislative Assembly, described Kerala as "investor friendly" and all parties are united in seeing that Kerala emerged as a top investor destination in the country.
Other participants at the meet included Commonwealth Institute for Infrastructure Development Managing Director Geoffrey Clements, UK Confederation of Indian Industry Director & Head Dr Gunveena Chadha, Marx World Director Babu Joseph, Global Capital Advisors Ltd CEO T Chandran, and Vijay Goel, Partner, Singhania & Co.