(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Visiting Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the UAE is keen to "contribute, cooperate and participate" in the flood-hit state's rebuilding efforts.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Vijayan said the first day of his four-day visit was a "tremendous success" with Adnoc showing interest in investing in a 380-acre Petrochemical Park in Kerala, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) agreeing to explore direct or joint investment opportunities in the state.
The chief minister also met Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
"Sheikh Mansour said he has a special affinity for Kerala and has promised all support in helping us rebuild," said Vijayan.
"He identified four areas of investment interest including energy, tourism, agriculture and healthcare in Kerala, and said the UAE is keen to contribute, cooperate and participate in our rebuilding efforts."
"From my side, I have assured Sheikh Mansour that Kerala has implemented a single-window system to ensure ease of business and smoothened out all earlier obstacles.
"Sheikh Mansour said he is keen to come to Kerala and enjoy its lush green hills and picturesque natural beauty. I extended him an invite to visit us and he has kindly accepted it," added the chief minister.
Elaborating on the outcome of his meeting with Dr Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Adnoc Group CEO, the Kerala CM said a task force will be set up to look into the investment project.
"The 380-acre land is a prime property in Kochi earmarked for setting up a petrochemical park, and I said I am happy to hand it over to Adnoc to implement the project. They (Adnoc) were very positive and said they will certainly look into it."
According to him, Sultan Jaber said India is of prime interest to the UAE for petrochemical investments. Regarding his meeting with Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Vijayan said he has presented specific investment projects including an aerospace park near Kannur airport, Petrochemical Park, Food Procurement Park, spices park, Defence Park and a Life Sciences park for ADIA's consideration.
"The ADIA can either directly invest in any of these projects or can be part of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIFB)."
Chief secretary Tom Jose, principal secretary Dr Elangovan, Press secretary John Brittas, Indian Ambassador Navdeep Singh Suri and LuLu Group Chairman M. A. Yusuff Ali, were also present at the meetings. Vijayan will also attend the region's first Middle East Regional Conference of the Loka Kerala Sabha (LKS), which will be held in Dubai's Etisalat Academy on Friday and Saturday. Two hundred non-resident Keralites (NRKs) from across the region is expected to attend the LKS, which is a unique platform to bring together Kerala's over 3.5 million NRKs.
Vijayan will address a public event on Friday, in which more than 15,000 Keralites are expected to attend.
The chief minister said the conference will discuss 10 short-listed projects by LKS sub-committees, including setting up of an International Migration Centre, an investment platform for NRKs and a construction company.
"We are looking at various measures to promote the welfare of NRKs and also the rebuilding of Kerala. The projects and their implementation strategies will be discussed at the LKS."
Pinarai Vijayan's whirlwind itinerary covers four emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah.
On Thursday, he will attend a lunch hosted in his honour by His Highness Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah.
Business conclave in Sharjah
Today, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will open the Gulf Madhyamam's 'Come on Kerala' Business Conclave at Expo Centre Sharjah. "The chief minister and Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, will open the conclave by 5.30pm," Gulf Madhyamam general manager Mohammed Rafiq said.
He noted some 200,000 people are expected during three days of the conclave, which is termed a 'win-win' opportunity for Kerala and local investors.
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