The Hindu Business Line : Kerala Ministers want old and new industries treated equally

The Finance Minister of Kerala, Dr T.M. Thomas Isaac, speaks at a panel discussion on ’Industrialisation of Kerala – Challenges and Opportunities’ in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. The Industries Minister, Mr Elamaram Kareem, the Principal Secretary for Industries, Mr T. Balakrishnan, and technocrat Mr Vijayaraghavan are also seen.

Our Bureau

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb. 21

Even as it focuses on sectors such as food-processing, textiles and IT for its growth, Kerala must also work to modernise and professionalise its traditional industries, said the State Industries Minister, Mr Elamaram Kareem.

Participating in a discussion on ‘Industrialisation of Kerala: Challenges and opportunities’ in the city today, he pointed out that the State’s traditional industries employ approximately 25 lakh people.

Therefore, one of the challenges of Kerala’s industrial development is to ensure the revival and survival of traditional industries, he said.

Acknowledging that infrastructure is a key determinant of industrial progress, Mr Kareem said that the State Government is working on an initiative to improve infrastructure such as roads, ports and power supply in Kerala.

Similarly, Kerala’s industrial development requires private investment, including foreign investment, he added.

Shifting focus

Earlier, addressing the gathering, the State Finance Minister, Dr T.M. Thomas Isaac, said that the challenge for the State is to move away from energy-intensive industries and instead focus on knowledge and skill-based industries. However, shifting focus to the new sectors involves a cost, he added.

Responding to a query from a member of the audience, he said that the State Government is willing to consider developing a long-term policy for small and medium enterprises.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Umang Patodia, Chairman-Kerala, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), said that the organisation would like to introduce a five-point agenda for Kerala.

The points on the CII agenda include a Vision 2025 document for Kerala; policy reforms; focus on clusters and rural business hubs; setting up of an Urban Kerala Mission; and creation of world class infrastructure.

CII expects to present its Kerala Vision 2025 document by the end of March. The State Government should also develop separate policies for each industrial sector that Kerala plans to focus on, he added.

The discussion was organised by CII in association with Chamber of Commerce Thiruvananthapuram and Kerala State Small Industries Association.

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