Kerala to Pitch Investment-Friendly Ecosystem at World Economic Forum; Minister P Rajeev to Lead Delegation

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala will send a high-level official delegation led by Industries Minister P Rajeev to the World Economic Forum (WEF) being held in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19 to 23, with the aim of attracting global investments and industrial collaborations and showcasing the state’s investment-friendly ecosystem on the world stage.

The five-member delegation includes Chief Secretary Dr. A Jayathilak, Additional Chief Secretary for Industries and Commerce A P M Mohammed Hanish, and Managing Director of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) P Vishnuraj.

Minister Rajeev said Kerala will highlight the transformational reforms introduced in the state’s industrial sector and further strengthen its brand identity of “Responsible Investment, Responsible Industry.” This approach aligns with WEF 2026’s theme, “A Spirit of Dialogue.” The delegation will also focus on Kerala’s transition towards high-tech and knowledge-based industries and the creation of an Industry 4.0–ready ecosystem.

Kerala’s participation in previous WEF meetings has had a significant impact on investment inflows. The Bharat Biotech investment in Kerala followed the state’s participation at Davos last year, while WEF engagements also played a crucial role in attracting large investments through the Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS).

Owing to its strong performance in the National Ease of Doing Business 2024 rankings, Kerala has been allotted a dedicated space at the India Pavilion in Davos, which will serve as a hub for global partners to understand the state’s industrial policy reforms. The focus areas include the knowledge economy, environment, ESG, high-tech industries, and advanced technology sectors.

The minister emphasized that Kerala will demonstrate how technology, skills, and environmentally sustainable industrial practices can be combined to generate economic growth. Balancing economic development with environmental sensitivity remains a core objective of the state’s industrial strategy.

Kerala has emerged as an attractive investment destination due to its industry-friendly policies, climate resilience, environmental compatibility, strong governance framework, highly digitally literate workforce, and high quality of life. At the Invest Kerala Global Summit held in Kochi last February, the state received expressions of interest worth 1.80 lakh crore rupees from 449 companies. Construction has already begun on over 100 projects, including those by global players such as Dynimated (Italy) and Adani Logistics.

The state has simplified its industrial policy by identifying 22 priority sectors for investment promotion. These include aerospace and defence, robotics, Ayurveda, electric vehicles, graphene, high-tech agriculture, logistics and packaging, nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, retail, tourism and hospitality, and 3D printing.

Kerala has successfully transformed its industrial ecosystem into a sustainable and ethical industrial destination. All state public sector units and district industries centres have adopted a unified ESG-centric identity, and the “Mission 1000” initiative, which aims to transform 1,000 MSMEs into enterprises with 100 crore rupees turnover, is being implemented successfully.

The delegation also plans to showcase Kerala’s branding to attract high-value, non-polluting industries such as AI, space technology, and life sciences. Minister Rajeev noted that companies worldwide face growing pressure to comply with ESG norms, and operating in Kerala enables investors to meet international sustainability standards, benefit from the transparent feedback-linked regulatory system (BRAP 2024), and gain a “green premium” for their products.

Leveraging IT parks such as Technopark, Infopark, and Cyberpark, Kerala is emerging as a major hub for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India. Key developments include the country’s first AI township at Infopark Phase 3 and an upcoming GCC policy aimed at attracting global firms. Cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are being positioned as prime destinations for innovation and investment.

Kerala’s unique geography supports logistics efficiency and decentralised industrial growth, while 100% digital literacy, K-FON high-speed internet, and world-class infrastructure ensure connectivity across the state—effectively making Kerala one integrated developed urban region.

The recently submitted Kerala Urban Policy Commission (KUPC) report proposes the creation of urban cabinets in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode, enabling climate-smart zoning and metropolitan-level governance. By 2035, over 90% of Kerala’s population is expected to live in urbanised clusters, ensuring investors access to a unified market and skilled workforce. With urban-grade connectivity, power supply, and high-speed internet, industries can be set up even in semi-urban and rural areas, the minister added.