Kerala puts up impressive show at EXPO2020 Dubai
State showcased its investment and tourism potential along with business attractiveness during its participation at India Pavilion
DUBAI, February 12, 2022: The state of Kerala concluded its participation at the India Pavilion, EXPO2020 Dubai recently on a successful note, as it received significant investment commitments from global investors across various key sectors.
The state floor was inaugurated on 4th February by Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala and H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Commissioner General of Expo 2020.
The delegation led by the Chief Minister met H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who highlighted the growing investments the two countries are making in each other’s economies especially in renewable energy, logistics services, air transport and food security.
The delegation also met H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Nasser Bin Thani Al Hamli, UAE Minister of Human Resources, Labour, and Emiratisation and Sheikh Abdullah Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Chairman of UAE Chamber of Commerce and Industry and discussed the partnership and business interest between Kerala and the UAE.
The delegation invited global investors and Non-Resident Keralites (NRK’s) to script a new story of growth and development in the state during meetings with India Business and Promotional Council (IBPC) members and CEOs of international companies including IFFCO Group, Sharaf Group & Tristar Group among others.
Kerala has shown consistent success in its social development and sustainability indicators as well as the Human Development Index, indicating a high focus on human and industrial growth.
Several diaspora connect events were also held during the week, which were attended by senior state government officials and the NRK business community. Kerala’s participation was crucial at the EXPO2020 given the massive 1.2 million Malayali population in the UAE.
Besides the business attractiveness of Kerala, the state showcased its cultural heritage with several performances by renowned artists at the India Pavilion.
The Kerala week saw participation from dignitaries from the state and the UAE including H.E. Reem Al-Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Managing Director for the Expo 2020 Dubai, H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Shri P Rajeeve, Minister for Industries, Law & Coir, Govt of Kerala, Shri P A Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Tourism & PWD, Govt of Kerala, Dr K. Ellangovan, Managing Director, INKEL, Dr V Venu, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Govt. of Kerala, Shri APM Mohammed Hanish, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries & Commerce, Govt. of Kerala, Shri M G Rajamanickam, MD, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), Shri. M A Yusuff Ali, Chairman, Lulu Group International & Vice Chairman, Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department, Govt. of Kerala, Shri K Gopalakrishnan, MD, Kerala Academy for Skills Excellence, Mr V R Krishna Teja, Director, Tourism, Govt. of Kerala, Shri S Harikishore, Director of Industries & Commerce, Govt. of Kerala, Shri Suraj S Nair, CEO KBIP, Kerala, Adv. K P Anil Kumar, Chairman, ODEPC and Shri Anoop K A, MD, ODEPC among others.
