The second edition of the India International Industrial Expo will be held from January 16 to 18, 2026, at the Adlux International Exhibition Centre, Kochi. The three-day industrial fair is being organized by the Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSIA) and Metro Mart, with the support of the Department of Industries, Government of Kerala, and the Ministry of MSME, Government of India. Around twenty affiliated associations of KSSIA will also collaborate in hosting the India International Industrial Expo.

Over 500 leading machinery manufacturers from across India and abroad will showcase their products and equipment at the expo. Exhibitors from Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and countries including China, the UK, UAE, Germany, Korea, and Japan will participate in the event.

The expo will also feature seminars, presentations, product launches, and interactive sessions on various industry-related topics. Buyer-seller meetings, vendor development programs, and other initiatives will be held over the three days.

Aspiring entrepreneurs will be connected with machinery manufacturers to help them start new ventures. Help desks from various banks will be set up at the expo to support individuals and institutions seeking loans for business expansion. Special stalls under the MSME Ministry of the Government of India will be arranged to support enterprises within the MSME sector.

“This edition will be the largest industrial exhibition and business summit ever held in Kerala,” said KSSIA State President A. Nisarudheen. He added that an industrial summit with participation from over 5,000 industrialists from different districts of Kerala will also be conducted as part of the expo. A special pavilion for startups and panel discussions featuring prominent media personalities and young political leaders will also be organized. Providing technical knowledge to entrepreneurs will help improve productivity and ensure financial sustainability of companies,” he noted.

“More than 20,000 trade visitors are expected to attend the event”, said K.P. Ramachandran Nair, Chairman of the India International Industrial Expo Organizing Committee. He emphasized that the event will include several programs aimed at connecting local industries with the global trade ecosystem.

“There will be special training sessions for industrialists in areas like Artificial Intelligence and Digital Marketing,” said Siji Nair, CEO of the India International Industrial Expo. “The display of various robots, sensors, AI-integrated machinery, and equipment useful in sectors like construction, automobile, manufacturing, hospitality, and agriculture will significantly contribute to Kerala’s industrial growth,” he added.

The press meet was attended by KSSIA State President A. Nisarudheen, Expo Organizing Committee Chairman K.P. Ramachandran Nair, Expo CEO Siji Nair, KSSIA State Vice President Fazaludheen, Kozhikode District President Ishaq K, Thiruvananthapuram District President Pradeep Kumar C.S., and KSSIA News Editor Saleem.

For registration and more details visit; www.iiie.in, call 9947733339 /9995139933 Email; info@iiie.in

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 State-level workshop on Gender Inclusive and Women-Friendly Tourism Policy held

Tourism Minister Shri PA Mohamed Riyas today said the state government will go ahead with its action plan to support newcomers, especially women, to the tourism sector, aligning with the vision of inclusive and sustainable development of tourism.

The Minister was delivering the inaugural address to the state-level consultation workshop to bring out a Gender Inclusive and Women-Friendly Tourism Policy as part of the women-friendly tourism initiative here.

The workshop was organised by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with Kerala Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission Society and UN Women India.

The two major objectives of the gender-inclusive project that took off in 2022 were to create women-friendly tourism centres and crate a network of women enterprises in tourism sector, the Minister said.

“It is vital to extent support to the new comers to the tourism sector, especially women, to ensure that they flourish in the completive ecosystem,” Shri Riyas said.

“Initially, around 17,631 women had joined the project with diverse enterprises and services. These included exclusive women tour units, homestays, souvenir units and services like community tour leaders and tour operators. After imparting training to them, tourism activities are being conducted in a coordinated manner,” he said.

The government also has allotted fund for the women ventures through RT’s subsidy scheme, Shri Riyas said.

The Minister said Kerala Tourism’s women inclusive project was greatly appreciated by the UN Women India, which also extended technical support in areas like destination safety, gender audit and training programmes. 

Shri Riyas said Kerala was the first state to conduct gender audit in the country. This has been completed in six centres and will be held in another 14 tourism centres this financial year. Also, safety audit has been completed in 68 tourism spots and activities are in full swing to implement women-friendly initiatives there.

Holding that the women-friendly initiative will help overcome the challenges in the sector, Shri Riyas said post Covid-19, the state clocked a record in domestic tourists’ arrival while outpacing other states in the national average of foreign tourists’ arrival. 

In her opening remarks, Kerala Tourism Director Smt Sikha Surendran said the women-friendly initiative of the state has become a global model for others to emulate it.

“Apart from firming up Kerala’s position on global tourism map as an all-season experiential destination, our RT initiative has brought significant benefit to the local communities, especially women as its major stakeholders,” she noted.

Shri S K Sajeesh, Chairman, Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Ltd. (KTIL), presided over the function. A panel discussion was followed the inaugural session.

In her keynote address, Ms Kanta Singh, Country Representative, UN Women, India, said Kerala has been showing the way for the country in many things and it is a privilege to partner with the state government and the RT project to do more for women in tourism sector. 

In his presentation of framework for Gender Responsive Tourism Policy, Shri K Rupeshkumar, CEO, Kerala RT Mission Society, said the upcoming policy will lay down guidelines for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of gender inclusive practices.

“The major objectives of the policy include fostering women’s participation in tourism industry, ensuring safety and security and women’s empowerment,” he said.

It will also address such issues as workplace practices, ensure safe work environments for employees and development of inclusive and accessible infrastructure and services in destinations.

Shri Rupeshkumar added an action plan on implementation of each component of the policy will be worked out as a back-up for the policy. 

The Gender Inclusive Tourism Policy will include stakeholders like tourism entrepreneurs, tour operators, hotels, local communities, tourists from diverse background, especially women.

Ms Mini Sukumar, Member, Kerala State Planning Board & Governing Body Member, The Gender Park, said a positive transformation has happened in tourism sector after the implementation of women-friendly initiative.

Shri S Swaminathan, Secretary, Kerala Travel Mart Society; and Shri Jose Dominic, Founder, CGH Earth, also spoke.

The speakers at the panel discussion included Ms Veda Bharadwaja, Country Programme Manager, UN Women India and Dr Peeja Rajan, State Coordinator, UN Women India.

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As many as 86 projects, with a total outlay of Rs 31,429.15 crore, for which EOIs were received at the Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS) held at Kochi this February, have commenced in the state so far, Minister for Industries, Law and Coir Shri P Rajeeve said today.

“As many as 424 investment projects worth Rs 1,77,731.66 crore were received at IKGS and after the summit. Of these, 20.28 percent projects have already started construction,” Shri Rajeeve told a press conference here.

According to the Minister, once these 86 projects are completed, around 40,439 jobs are expected to be created. Of the total number of 424 projects yielded by IKGS, 156 need to get land while 268 of them have already got land.

“In July, projects worth Rs 1500 crore will commence while in August Rs 1,437crore investment projects are expected to begin. A total of Rs 1011 crore investment projects have come in all the eight KINFRA parks,” he said.

KSIDC Managing Director Shri Mir Mohammed Ali, KSIDC Executive Director Shri Harikrishnan R and KINFRA Managing Director Shri Santhosh Koshy Thomas were also present.

BlueStar Realtors’ Rs 600 crore project in Kalamassery, Ernakulam; Canyo Health’s Rs 400 crore project in Cherppulassery, Palakkad, and Kaynes Technology India’s Rs 500 crore project in Perumbavoor, Ernakulam, are set to start in July. These projects are expected to create around 3800 employment opportunities.

The projects that will take off in August include Green Worms Waste Management in KSIDC Park, Kannur (Rs 117 crore); Renai Medicity in Thrissur (Rs 500 crore); Nitta Gelatin’s manufacturing plant in Ernakulam (Rs 250 crore); Dr Rajeev Healthcare and Research in Kollam (Rs 120 crore); Indiana Hospital in Kannur (Rs 200 crore) and NDR Space in Aluva, Ernakulam (Rs 250 crore). These projects are expected to generate 3350 job opportunities.

Among the major projects slated to start in July, foundation stone will be laid for Bharat Biotech’s new project in KSIDC Park in Angamali. Besides, Adani Logistics will set up a logistic park in Kalamassery at a cost of Rs 600 crore. 

Work on seven investment projects were started in May this year. Out of this, HiLITE group has begun work on four multiplexes and two residential projects, together with an outlay of Rs 9,998 crore, and generating 1,500 jobs.

A dedicated Advisory group, chaired by the Minister for Industries, has been formed for monitoring project implementation, coordinating across departments and resolving issues swiftly to enable seamless execution. Principal Secretary, Industries, is the Vice Chairman and Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) MD the convener of this body, which has representatives of industry and trade bodies, renowned industrialists, and senior government officials as members.

The Industrial Land Web Portal, https://industrialland.kerala.gov.in has been launched to create a database of land available in the state for industrial purposes, said the Minister. The portal will function like a matchmaking website where those who have land available for industrial purposes can list their information on it, he noted.

Another portal, developed by Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), provides investors and departments with real-time updates and critical information about each proposal’s implementation status. It also features a monthly progress report to ensure transparency and stakeholder accountability.

Nodal officers have been granted direct access to the portal to update project milestones, including land status, construction commencement, commercial operations start dates, and all communications with promoters and departments. 

The state government has also implemented a comprehensive and structured mechanism for EoI conversion to ensure effective follow-through on these investment proposals.

A five-step escalation protocol has been introduced to ensure the timely resolution of investor issues. These include: initial resolution at the nodal officer level; engagement with concerned department; formal communication if unresolved; escalation to the Secretary level; and, if still pending, final escalation to the minister concerned. This structured approach ensures accountability and responsiveness at every level of government interaction.

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In a landmark achievement for India’s retail and sustainability landscape, the HiLITE Group has announced that its flagship shopping destinations — HiLITE Mall Calicut and HiLITE Mall Thrissur — are now operating entirely on solar power, making them India’s first mall group to run 100% on renewable energy. This pioneering green transformation marks a significant leap toward sustainable commercial infrastructure and sets a national benchmark for clean energy adoption in the retail sector.

The shift to solar power has been realised through a robust collaboration between HiLITE Group and strategic partner INKEL Limited, with the engineering, procurement, commissioning, and maintenance executed by Eallisto Energies — an emerging player in India’s renewable energy sector known for its innovative and turnkey solar solutions.

The project has brought online a total solar capacity of 11 MW under the Group Captive model, including an 8 MW ground-mounted solar plant dedicated to HiLITE Mall Calicut, a 3 MW ground-mounted installation for HiLITE Mall Thrissur, and an additional 1 MW rooftop solar system at the HiLITE Calicut campus. Collectively, these systems generate over 48,000 units of clean energy every day, powering various mall operations, including lighting, elevators, HVAC systems, food courts, and parking facilities, thereby eliminating dependence on fossil fuels.

This transition is projected to offset approximately 31,500 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, equivalent to planting around 1.45 million trees or removing more than 6,600 petrol vehicles from the roads each year. HiLITE Mall Calicut is an extensive retail hub spanning 12.7 lakh square feet, featuring over 270 brands and generating more than 3,000 direct jobs, with a broader economic impact supporting thousands more indirectly. The HiLITE Group currently operates four malls, with six additional projects under development, all located in the state of Kerala.

Eallisto Energies, headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, has rapidly established itself as a trusted name in the renewable energy sector. Founded with a vision to democratise clean energy adoption, the company specialises in end-to-end solar engineering, procurement, and construction services, as well as long-term operations and maintenance. Eallisto’s portfolio includes ground-mounted and rooftop solar projects for commercial, industrial, and institutional clients across India, enabling businesses to transition toward sustainability while achieving significant cost savings on energy.

Speaking about the milestone, Shahad Bangla, Chairman & Managing Director of Eallisto Energies, emphasised that the HiLITE project is not only a technological triumph but also a symbol of what Indian enterprises can achieve by embracing sustainability. “We are proud to partner with forward-looking organisations like HiLITE Group and INKEL Limited to realise India’s renewable energy goals. Projects like these demonstrate that clean energy is practical, scalable, and essential for sustainable development,” said a spokesperson for Eallisto Energies.

This development comes at a time when India is aggressively pursuing its national renewable energy targets, aiming to reach 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. HiLITE Group’s solar transition, engineered by Eallisto Energies, stands as a testament to the critical role of private enterprises in driving the country’s clean energy transformation. As malls increasingly evolve into lifestyle destinations with significant energy footprints, HiLITE Group’s move to go 100% solar could inspire retail developers nationwide to follow suit, contributing to both environmental preservation and economic resilience.

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In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and ambition, Skål International India marked a defining moment at the Skål Asia Congress 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, by fielding its largest-ever delegation to an Asian area event. Indian Skålleagues from across the country came together, setting a new benchmark of participation and leadership on the regional Skål stage. On the sidelines of this vibrant congress, the National Committee Meeting (NCM) of Skål International India was held on June 26, 2025, at the iconic Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. The meeting drew Presidents, Secretaries, Board Members, and National Committee representatives from India, united in their vision to strengthen the Skål movement in India and beyond. “This is more than a milestone—it is a movement in motion,” said Sanjeev Mehra, President of Skål International India. “With a record presence at Skål Asia Congress, India has not just shown up—we’ve shown the way forward. The National Committee Meeting in Colombo echoed our unity, discipline, and determination to lead Skål globally, with professionalism, purpose, and pride.”

NSN Mohan, Director – Region 10 (India) and Director – Finance, Skål International, added, “This congress reinforced India’s growing influence within the global Skål fraternity. Our dynamic presence in Colombo is a result of hard work, vision, and the coming together of like-minded professionals dedicated to transforming tourism through collaboration, ethics, and friendship.” The NCM was marked by constructive dialogue, appreciation of club achievements, and the celebration of initiatives championing responsible tourism, youth engagement, and sustainability. The latest edition of KOTIN Magazine—Skål International India’s official publication—was also widely applauded for its content, communication value, and branding excellence. Several board members described the NCM as one of the most engaging and transparent national meetings in recent memory, with some expressing that they had never experienced such collaborative energy and open interaction with the national leadership team. The evening cocktail-dinner receptions added warmth and camaraderie to the formal agenda, with members appreciating the smooth conduct, insightful presentations, and overall hospitality that made the event a memorable one. India’s contribution to Skål Asia’s growth was also symbolized by Skål Delhi’s status as the world’s largest Skål club, a distinction that earned admiration from across the global Skål community. In 2026 Macau will be the host country for the next Skål Asia Congress.

Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to Skål India Congress 2025 in Mumbai this September, with preparations already underway to deliver a truly historic event.
“Let’s build on this momentum,” Mehra emphasized. “We aim to launch our remaining clubs swiftly, ensure maximum participation in the upcoming India Congress, and communicate early to attract global participation. Together, we aspire to make India the number one Skål nation before the World Congress.”
“We also draw inspiration from the best practices we observed at the Skål Asia AGM,” noted Mohan. “It’s time to adopt a more structured and inclusive model for our own General Assembly, including active involvement from all national office bearers.” Skål International India extends its deepest gratitude to Skål Asia for organizing an outstanding Congress in Colombo and acknowledges the visionary leadership of the organizing team, the Congress Chairperson Sharmili, for curating a seamless and elegant event; Skål Colombo President Ahintha Amarasinghe, for his steady support; Skål Asia President Keethi Jayaweera, for his inclusive and inspiring leadership; and to every national president, area head, club leader, and all Skålleagues across Asia, whose participation brought unmatched vibrance to the event. Special thanks go to Skål International President Denise Scrafton whose presence elevated the congress with global perspective. Skål International India also proudly lauds three leading Indian Skalleagues Shekhar Divadkar for being elected the new President, Manoj Mathew the new VP West Asia, and Kuncheria Thomas, the new Secretary of the Executive Committee of Skal Asia for 2025-2027. The Indian delegation also acknowledges with gratitude the generosity of hospitality partners like Shangri-la Colombo, Taj Samudra and Cinnamon Grand. This Congress served as a reminder that Skål is not just a network—it is a living movement built on friendship, ethical business, and shared dreams. “Let us now unite as Skålleagues across Asia and the world,” said Mehra in closing. “Let us bring forward new clubs, new countries, and new opportunities. Let us ensure that every Skål member and their families feel proud to be part of this incredible journey.” As Skål International India nears the first anniversary of its current leadership on July 6, it rededicates itself to its mission — “Doing business among friends,” building bridges, and creating a more united, sustainable tourism landscape.

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Project Green Core envisages Rs 510 Cr investment, to create over 1000 jobs

Firming up Kerala’s standing as a fast -growing manufacturing hub, Minister for Industries, Law and Coir Shri P Rajeeve laid the foundation stone for Kalliyath Group’s TMT plant ‘Project Green Core’ at Gasha Steel at Kanjikode the other day.

Envisioned as South India’s first Green Technology TMT Plant powered by induction melting furnace technology, the project planned an investment of ₹110 crore in Phase I and ₹400 crore in Phase II, with a target of generating over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Speaking at the event, the Minister said “Project Green Core is a shining example of how Kerala can lead India’s transition into sustainable manufacturing.”

“Kalliyath’s focus on green technology and local job creation is commendable and reflects the kind of industrial progress we aim to support across the state,” the Minister added.

Shri Noor Muhammed Noorsha, Chairman of Kalliyath Group said “this plant is more than a manufacturing unit—it’s a statement of Kerala’s global readiness in sustainable infrastructure.”

“Project Green Core is designed to be South India’s most advanced green steel facility— powered by AI, solar and wind energy, zero-waste systems, and rainwater harvesting. It reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and climate-resilient manufacturing,” said Shri Dirsha K Mohammed, Executive Director of Kalliyath Group.

The plant will further consolidate Kalliyath’s leadership as South India’s No.1 green steel and TMT brand – backed by innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology, he said.

At the heart of the plant lies induction melting furnace technology – an energy-efficient, zero-combustion system powered by AI and embedded with real-time automation, emission control, and zero-waste pathways.

Designed to exceed global ESG benchmarks, the facility targets CO₂ emissions below 1.6 t/tonne, aligning with India’s Green Taxonomy.

The event was attended by Shri A. Prabhakaran MLA (Malampuzha Constituency), Shri APM Mohammed Hanish IAS , Principal Secretary, Department of Industries, Shri Mir Mohammed Ali IAS , Managing Director, KSIDC, Shri Vishnu Raj. P IAS, Director, Industries & Commerce, and Smt. Minmini (Ward Member, Pudussery Panchayath – Ward 13).

Gasha Steel’s twin brands—Kalliyath and Bharati TMT Bars—will be crafted using advanced Ladle Refining Furnace (LRF) technology, ensuring unmatched quality, consistency, and compliance for critical infrastructure projects.

A highlight of the project is collaboration with the scientists from the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS) to recharge over 1.87 lakh kilolitres of water annually via a 12-hectare watershed, and planting 1,000 native trees around the site.

Kalliyath is one of South India’s leading steel manufacturer, with a legacy spanning over three decades. Headquartered in Kerala, the Group is manufacturer and supplier of premium TMT bars, serving infrastructure needs across the entire South India.

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Spice Routes Luxury Cruise, a renowned name in Kerala’s premium houseboat tourism segment, has received the prestigious Diamond Classification of Kerala Tourism.

Spice Routes Luxury Cruise becomes the only houseboat operator to have this sterling distinction as of now.

The Diamond is the highest recognition in Kerala’s houseboat classification system, awarded by the Department of Tourism to operators who meet strict benchmarks in safety protocols, environmental sustainability, design aesthetics, service quality, and guest comfort.

The certification validates Spice Routes’ investment in advanced safety infrastructure, including fire safety, GPS tracking, emergency preparedness, and staff training, all of which exceed mandatory compliance requirements.

Spice Routes Luxury Cruise has now joined an exclusive group of top-rated operators recognised by the state for their contribution to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism in Kerala.

It offers a carefully curated fleet of luxury houseboats that combine traditional Kerala craftsmanship with modern elegance. From personalised onboard dining to eco-friendly amenities and attentive staff, every detail of the cruise is designed to provide a world-class experience for discerning travellers.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this distinguished recognition from Kerala Tourism, which highlights our commitment to excellence and puts us on the map as a premium houseboat cruise provider,” said Mr. Jobin J. Akkarakalam, Managing Partner of Spice Routes Luxury Cruise. “This milestone showcases our team’s commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences while maintaining the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and sustainability,” he added.

Kerala’s unique backwaters, characterised by a network of canals, lakes, and lagoons, are popular among both domestic and foreign tourists. They provide a serene and picturesque experience, with Alappuzha being the most sought-after destination.

“This recognition goes beyond being a mere accolade; it serves as a profound responsibility to exemplify leadership in shaping the future of Kerala’s tourism sector,” added Mr. Rojes Joseph, General Manager. For more details about Spice Routes Luxury Cruises or to book a luxurious backwater experience, visit www.spiceroutes.in

Spice Routes has been frequented by many VIPs and celebrities, namely King Willem- Alexander and Queen Maxima of The Netherlands, Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Dy Prime Minister of Bahrain, Mr. Emmanual Lenain, French Ambassador to India, John Abraham, Mammooty, Manju Warrier, Kunjchacko Boban, Dulquer Salman, Kannada actor Shiv Rajkumar, and Shri. Amitabh Kant, former CEO – Niti Aayog, and ex-G20 Sherpa. Spice Routes had also played host to the G20 Sherpas meet held in Kumarakom in April, 2023.

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UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has donated equipment worth nearly Rs 12 lakh to the urology department of the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.

Following a request from Dr Haris Chirakkal, Head of the Department of Urology at the Medical College Hospital, UST handed over a Hopkins Telescope 0°, 4 mm, 30 cm and Hopkins Telescope 30°, 4 mm, 30 cm, essential for urology surgeries. These telescopes, known as cystoscopes, are used for Cystoscopy and TURP procedures.  These equipment, which are thin, lighted optical instruments with a lens or camera at one end, allow urologists to visualize the urethra and bladder.

The request from Dr. Haris was approved by UST in March this year, paving the way for the hand over. The equipment were handed over to the Department of Urology on July 2, 2025 by a team from UST. While the UST team comprised Sunil Balakrishnan, Chief Values Officer and Global Head of Development Center Operations; Harikrishnan Mohankumar Jayasree, Senior Director, Workplace Management and Operations; Vineeth Mohanan, CSR Lead; Roshni Das K, PR & Marketing – Kerala; the Medical college Thiruvananthapuram was represented by  Dr P K Jabbar, Principal, Medical college; Dr Sunil Kumar  B S, Superintendent, Medical college hospital Dr. Haris Chirakkal, Professor of Urology.

 “We, at UST, are glad that we could donate the equipment required by the Department of Urology at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. Further to Dr. Haris Chirakkal’s request regarding this, the UST team evaluated the possibility and made sure that two cystoscopes were made available,” said Sunil Balakrishnan, Chief Values Officer and Global Head of Development Centre Operations, UST. “It is indeed heartening that UST responded to our request and speedily handed over two cystoscopes that would aid in surgical procedures that are undertaken at the Urology department of the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. This gesture from the largest IT employer in the state comes as a great help,” said Dr Haris Chirakkal, Head, Department of Urology, Medical College Hospital Thiruvananthapuram.

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 Kerala’s commitment to fostering industrial growth was reaffirmed by Dr. R. Bindu, Minister for Higher Education, who emphasized the government’s continued focus on strengthening the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. Speaking at the International MSME Day celebrations, Dr. Bindu highlighted that this priority has significantly contributed to the state’s industrial progress.

The event was jointly organised by Metro Mart, the Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce, and the Kerala Small Industries Association (KSSIA), with the support of the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC). Siji Nair, Managing Director of Metro Media, welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries to the gathering.

Held under the theme “Business for MSMEs – Connecting the Entrepreneurs,” the event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Harishanker A. G. from Machine Maker. The seminar was formally inaugurated by A. Nisarudheen, State President of KSSIA.

The panel included prominent industry leaders such as Stephen Devnathan, Secretary General of FIA; S. Adikesavan, former Chief General Manager of State Bank of India; P. Ganesh, Past Chairman of CII Kerala and Executive Director of Glass and Glazing Systems Pvt. Ltd.; Yogi Shivan, Managing Director of Indimasi Healing Village; C. Suresh Kumar, General Secretary of CISS; B. Jayakrishnan, State Treasurer of KSSIA; Sudheer Kumar B., National Working Committee Member and State Patron of LUB; and S. Jyothis Chandran, Chairman of Jyothis Group of Schools. The session was presided over by Kadakampally Surendran, MLA.

Distinguished guests including M. Vincent, MLA; E. M. Najeeb, President of the Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industry; M. Srivatsan, Senior Manager and Zonal Head of NSIC Chennai; and Grace Reji, NSIC Kerala Branch Manager, also graced the occasion.

A highlight of the ceremony was the felicitation of outstanding entrepreneurs. Venpakal Chandramohan, Chairman of Venpakal Group of Companies, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which included a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a citation, in recognition of his invaluable contributions to Kerala’s industrial sector.

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KTM’s Conclave in Kochi from Aug 14 to16

400 buyers registered for the conclave

India’s first Wedding and MICE Conclave to be held in Kochi from August 14 to 16 will act as a B2B networking platform for the integrated development of tourism sector in the state, Tourism Minister Shri Mohamed Riyas said today.

The Minister was addressing a press conference here at the Mascot Hotel on Tuesday to outline the progress of the conclave being organized by Kerala Travel Mart Society (KTM Society) in collaboration with the State Tourism Department.

Tourism Secretary Shri K. Biju, Shri Jose Pradeep, President, KTM (Kerala Travel Mart) Society, KTM Society Secretary Shri S. Swaminathan, Immediate Past President Shri Baby Mathew Somatheeram, and former presidents Shri E. M. Najeeb and Shri Abraham George also attended the press meet.

So far 360 buyers from within the country and 40 from abroad have registered for the conclave, which is expected to go up in the coming days. Also 65 sellers who are part of the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) Wedding sector have also registered for the event.

“The conclave aims to tap Kerala’s potential in this fast-growing segment, leveraging the state’s unique advantages to transform it into a global MICE and wedding tourism hub,” said Shri Riyas.

The inaugural session of the conclave will be held at the Grand Hyatt in Bolgatty Island, Kochi on August 14 at 5 pm. The business meetings and exhibitions on the subsequent days will be held at Le Meridien.

Recalling the government’s farsighted efforts to sustain and develop tourism sector during the Covid Pandemic, Shri Riyas said ‘Tourism Department has since then done extensive

marketing to showcase Kerala’s potential for destination wedding and MICE tourism in other states and countries.’

“Our efforts saw success as an estimated 1000 destination weddings were conducted in various tourist locations across Kerala in the last year alone,” said Shri Riyas.

‘When we examine the post Covid era, the graph of tourist inflow in the state is higher than global and national average, the minister noted.

Apart from the natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, panoramic beaches, back waters and a host of other factors including world class hospitality, infrastructure and road connectivity make Kerala a highly promising destination for wedding and MICE tourism, he said.

Other than five-star hotels and resorts, tourism department will focus on the development

of home stays, PWD rest houses and tourism guest houses to attract more tourists into the state as part of the integrated development of the sector, he noted.

KTM and Tourism Department with the help of private enterprises facilitate a seamless and enjoyable experience for tourists who visit the state for destination wedding and MICE tourism, the minister said.

Development of the tourism sector and a steady surge in tourist arrivals will propel the overall social and financial condition of the society. From auto drivers to resort owners, everyone involved will have the opportunity to prosper, said Riyas.

The upcoming conclave comes in the wake of the state government’s major plans to make the state a major destination of wedding and honeymoon tourism, as announced by Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan while inaugurating the last edition of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM-2024).

“With ‘Center Stage Kerala’ as the focal theme, the conclave seeks to leverage Kerala’s reputation as one of world’s most-preferred destinations to ramp up MICE and Wedding Tourism, said Jose Pradeep.

“The conference will bring together organizers of wedding, corporate conferences, operators of large convention centers and tourism and hospitality service providers under a single umbrella, for a calibrated promotion of the segment,” he added.

The meet will host training camps, innovative marketing strategies, logistics and technology deployment in collaboration with large MICE and wedding companies, besides using local supply chain.

The exhibition on the sidelines of the event will serve as a platform for businesses with extensive experience in the MICE sector to showcase their products. Wedding planners, luxury resorts, destination wedding venues, floral designers, photographers, catering units, and bridal services providers will have the opportunity to display their talent.

The buyers coming for the conference will be taken to places across the state such as Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kovalam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Bekal.

The meet will prominently showcase attractive wedding tourism sites such as beaches, backwaters and mountains. Cultural heritage, ancient architecture and delicious cuisine will also be integrated with the event’s theme.

The business meetings at the conclave will be held as per a schedule prepared in advance. The event will hold expert-led training workshops and exhibitions of all the attractions that Kerala has to offer in the wedding industry.

There will be business meetings from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on August 15 and 16, besidesseminars with the participation of international experts.

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