Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is all set to form a Centre of Excellence on Innovation, Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship in Kerala. CII would organise 14 sectoral conferences during Emerging Kerala 2012 – a Global Connect Initiative scheduled to be held from 12-14 September 2012 at Kochi. “These sectoral conferences would deliberate on various policy issues that are relevant to propel the growth of the economy nationally as well as in Kerala” said Mr G V Sanjay Reddy, Chairman, CII Southern Region while addressing a Press Conference here today. Mr Reddy said that CII as an Industry Partner in Emerging Kerala would bring in CEOs and captains of industry from across the globe to participate at the sectoral conferences, which are aimed to showcase the investment opportunities available in Kerala.

The State of Kerala has made an investment of Rs 32010 crores since June 2011 with major share in the energy sector of Rs.20,620 crores, followed by Infrastructure of Rs.8765 crores and Rs.2625 in other sectors. Emerging Kerala would further give impetus to the State efforts in attracting more global investment in emerging sectors such as; Aerospace, Green Energy, Financial Services, Food & Agro Processing; Ports, Logistics and Ship Building, IT, Bio Technology amongst others. Outlining the key priorities for 2012-13, Mr Reddy said that CII would focus on the theme `South India 2020– Accelerate Inclusive Growth & Sustainable Development’, Mr Reddy said that South India has been a major driver of growth for India contributing to over 22 per cent of India’s GDP and 28 per cent of its employment.

South India’s advantages in economic and social development indices give it the potential to sustain accelerated growth over the next decade, and create global scale in select sectors. However, infrastructure bottlenecks, slow pace of reforms, lack of skilled labour and challenges in governance threaten this growth. To accelerate the growth, CII Southern Region has embarked upon a four-pronged agenda for this year built around important elements of Competiveness, Infrastructure, Inclusiveness and Sustainability. Manufacturing sector plays a key role in economic development. Unfortunately, the contribution of manufacturing to India’s GDP and employment is very low.
 
India’s manufacturing GDP growth of 15% is lower than that of many other countries. Indian manufacturing contributes only 12% of total employment. Realising the huge potential for growth in manufacturing in South, CII proposes for State Level Manufacturing Policies and to get at least 3-5 Manufacturing Investment Zones to propel growth of the sector. Infrastructure being a key enabler of growth, CII proposes for an Integrated Logistic Hub connecting major ports in Southern States. Logistics hubs would bring in efficiency in transportation by way of integrated multimodal access and with an exclusive freight corridor. CII would be advocating State- level reforms in the power sector, with more private sector participation, especially in distribution and generation.
 
CII is also working with State Governments on exclusive policy for the Renewable Energy sector. CII has been giving top priority for Skill Development initiatives in the Region and would set up 10 Skill Development Centres in Southern States with the support of Industry and Pan IIT Alumni Reach for India. CII has given the business plan to Government of Kerala to set-up a Construction Skills Academy in the State. CII would also bring out a Skill Gap Study in IT Sector during the current year. CII would give special focus this year on Art, Culture & Tourism and Women Empowerment initiatives.

CII would launch the Festival of South India this year with an aim to celebrate the rich culture, heritage and history of South. Some of the other initiatives in Kerala include; Development of Hi Speed Rail Corridor, Solid Waste Management for Municipal Corporations, Entrepreneurship Development, Power, Development of Tier II & III Cities, Industrial Corridors, amongst others. Mr V K Mathews, Chairman, CII Kerala State Council and Mr Sujith Haridas, Regional Director, CII Southern Region also participated in the press meet.