Kochi:
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday described Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) as the backbone of the state's economy.
"More than two million NRKs work in the Middle East and elsewhere and they contribute to the state economy more than 22 per cent of the gross domestic product of the state and is the back bone of the state economy," said Dr Singh.
The Prime Minister was speaking at the inaugural session of the three-day event titled "Emerging Kerala" meet, meant to showcase the state to investors.
"I am happy to note that today these NRKs have now turned as investors in the state by investing in projects and this has helped to create sound physical infrastructure in the state," he said.
The three-day event is being attended by 2,500 delegates from 51 countries. They include ambassadors, high commissioners, ministers and 300 top executives from all major companies in the country.