Date:09/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/09/stories/2009010958921100.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Opportunities galore in Ernakulam district: study

Staff Reporter

Report by Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry

One of the advantages of Ernakulam district is the availability of vast tracts of panchayat land.

KOCHI: A study on the investment opportunities in Kerala has identified Ernakulam district as having great potential in areas like animation studios, setting up of folk theatres, bakery products, canal tourism, meat processing, contract farming, horticulture and production of electronic goods.

Advantages

One of the advantages of Ernakulam district is the availability of vast tracts of panchayat land, said the study organised by the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry in preparation for a global meet on investment opportunities in Kerala later this year.

The study, led by Prof. Martin Patrick of the Maharaja’s College, found that there were adequate opportunities in Ernakulam for development in specific areas of its strengths.

Specific areas

Rayamangalam, Thrikkakara and Edpappaly panchayats have been mentioned as examples of specific areas where new enterprises could be launched.

Change in attitude

The study said that the changing attitude of people towards industrialisation as a new opportunity, especially in the district of Alappuzha.

The elaborate study was conducted through several interactive sessions with officials of the 14 districts in the State.

Interviews with planners and experts, including academics, were conducted as part of the study.

Agro-based processing industry has received special attention given the potential of the State in areas like spices.

Construction, tourism and the services sectors too have been identified as potential areas in which new opportunities can be found. Though construction industry requires high level of investment, there are sub-sectors that can be looked into. Homestays, farm tourism and ropeways are among the tourism activities that can generate employment and income.

Ayurvedic and herbal products; textiles and ready-mades; rubber and rubber wood products; common clay novelties; and paper and allied products are also among the potential areas for development in the future.

Investment climate

The study also focuses on the fact that the investment climate in the State has undergone significant changes from the past and that there are several institutional mechanisms and institutions to help new investors looking for opportunities in Kerala.