Categories
Kerala

After hiccups, Kerala Governor signs on policy address

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made a dash to the Raj Bhavan but Khan continued to be in a defiant mood and the two reportedly had an exchange of words….reports Asian Lite News

Trouble seemed to loom again as Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Thursday first refused to sign on to his address to the Assembly after the cabinet meeting had approved it, but finally came on board after the government decided to move out a senior bureaucrat whose letter had displeased him.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made a dash to the Raj Bhavan but Khan continued to be in a defiant mood and the two reportedly had an exchange of words.

One reason for his stand was that senior journalist Hari S. Kartha, who was recently appointed Additional Private Secretary to Khan, is also a member of the BJP’s state committee and this irked Vijayan and became a point of public discussion.

It is understood in the file that was sent to the Raj Bhavan, there was a mention that such a thing has not happened in the state before, and this had displeased Khan.

The official who wrote the sentence in the file was General Administration Secretary K.R. Jyothilal, and as a trade off between the governor and government, the senior bureaucrat was moved out of the post.

It was after that Khan signed the file of his address to be made at 9 a.m. on Friday to the Kerala Assembly.

Emirati leadership has a vision for progress and development and a commitment to realise that vision. Any country that wants to progress can take a leaf out of its book: Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala

Veteran Congress legislator Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said this is nothing but a created situation.

“The government could have easily deffused the situation, but it appears it has failed to do it. The need of the hour is both parties amicably settle it. This is a situation that could have been easily avoided,” he said.

Political watcher Joseph C. Mathew said this is yet another instance where the Governor is trying to play games.

“This is some sort of a blackmail and it should not have happened,” he said, adding that it is high time that the Centre examines the conduct of Khan.

Constitutional expert Kaleeshweran Raj said under democracy and the rules, this is not something which the Governor can do as he is duty bound to to sign on to Cabinet decisions.

Former Lok Sabha Secretary General P.D.T. Acharaya said the Governor has to sign as it is constitutionally duty bound to do it.

The CPI, the second biggest constituent of the ruling Left Democratic Front, early this month had slammed the actions of Khan with its Assistant Secretary Prakash Babu said the situation is such that none can predict how Khan will behave.

ALSO READ: MEA objects to Singapore PM’s comment on Nehru, Indian MPs 

Categories
-Top News Business Kerala

Lulu to invest Rs 4 billion for food park in Kerala

The state of the art food park will be setup in Kalamassery in the south India state of Kerala, reports Asian Lite News

UAE-based leading retail conglomerate Lulu Group on Tuesday announced that it will invest Rs 400 crore to setup food park in south Indian state of Kerala. The announcement on the major investments plans in food sector comes at Gulfood 2022, which is being held in Dubai World Trade Centre.

The food park in Kerala is one of the three food parks being setup by the UAE in India.

The chairman of the retail giant, Yusuffali MA, revealed that Lulu will invest Rs 4 billion for setting up a state of the art food park in Kalamassery in Kerala.

“As part of strengthening its own food processing centres in India, Lulu will invest Rs 400 crore for setting up a state-of-the-art food park in Kalalmassery in Kerala,” Lulu said in a statement.

The project is expected to be operational by fourth quarter of 2023, the Khaleej Times reported.

The latest investment is over and above the recent Rs 11 billion investment announced for Noida, Srinagar and Kochi, bringing total value to Rs15 billion investment in food processing by the group.

Meanwhile, Lulu has imported the first consignment of Indian eggs, which was banned for the last 15 years in UAE. The group has imported four containers of Indian eggs, after the ban was lifted recently, the Khaleej Times reported.

Lulu also unveiled and launched its new private label brand ‘Goodness Forever’ during the Gulfood 2022. Under this brand Lulu will manufacture and sell a large range of premium speciality products such as organic, free from range, sugar free and similar healthy food products. These products are being manufactured exclusively for Lulu by leading food companies in Italy, Spain and UK, it was reported.

In January, Jammu and Kashmir government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LuLu Group to set up a food processing and logistics hub in Srinagar. The deal was signed during the inauguration of Jammu and Kashmir promotion week at the LuLu Hypermarket in Dubai.

In December, UAE Minister for Foreign Trade, Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi visited Kerala and met with Chief Minister of the State Pinarayi Vijayan.

Kerala CM and the UAE minister also discussed the construction of a housing complex with the help of Red Crescent, Dubai. He said action would be taken to complete the project with the Red Cross.

The UAE Minister also agreed to see that steps are taken to see that the ongoing project of the Kerala Government, Life Mission (building homes for the weaker sections) is completed, said Pinarayi Vijayan.

In December, the Lulu group announced an investment of Rs 2,000 crore near Ahmedabad to set up a modern shopping mall.

ALSO READ: Jammu & Kashmir Inks Pact With Lulu

It has also announced an investment of Rs 500 crore to set up a food processing plant in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Lulu Group is a major player in the economic scenario of the Middle East with an annual turnover of USD 8 billion and staff force of more than 57,000. Worldwide operations cover business divisions in retail segment for the popular hypermarket brand, shopping mall destinations, food processing plants, wholesale distribution, hospitality properties, and real estate development.

Retail stores present in the UAE, India, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Malaysia, and Indonesia; with distribution companies located in India, US, Europe, Middle East countries, and the Philippines and more trading offices expected to rise in Turkey, and Vietnam.

Categories
-Top News Kerala Travel & Tourism

‘Kerala offers huge investment avenues in tourism’

Kerala’s Tourism Minister Mohamed Riyas said the State is keen to partner with UAE-based investors and Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) in scripting a new story of growth and development in key sectors, especially tourism, reports Asian Lite News

As tourism in Kerala is set to bounce back from the COVID-19-induced crisis, the State offers high investment opportunities in travel and hospitality sector with the government unveiling several ambitious projects to tap its potential as an extended tourist haven, P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Tourism Minister of Kerala, said.

Addressing a press conference in Dubai, Riyas said the State is keen to partner with UAE-based investors and Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) in scripting a new story of growth and development in key sectors, especially tourism.

‘Kerala offers huge investment avenues in tourism’

Major initiatives promising attractive investment opportunities include ‘Exploring the Unexplored’ destinations, opening up the untapped Malabar region, Caravan Tourism, safe and regulated adventure tourism, experiential tourism, workcations and active holidays, the Minister said.

While the recently launched Caravan Tourism is sure to provide a riveting experience to visitors, houseboats will continue to be one of the top holiday experiences in Kerala. Caravanning will help Kerala tourism to expand beyond established destinations, he said.

Riyas, who is leading a delegation from Kerala to Expo 2020 Dubai to showcase the state’s strengths, said the new projects have opened up investment possibilities in MICE facilities, resorts and hotels, caravans and caravan parks, farmstays, adventure holidays and travel and tour operations.

‘Kerala offers huge investment avenues in tourism’

The delegation included Dr. Venu V, Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism) and VR Krishna Teja, Director, Tourism.

Kerala has an investor-friendly institutional mechanism to provide quick approvals and mandatory clearances for investment proposals, the Minister said.

Emphasising on the strong government-to-government relations with UAE and people-to-people social and cultural ties, Riyas said he is confident that tourism will be a key driver in this relationship with more and more Keralites travelling to UAE, and vice-versa, in the future.

Kerala Week

The India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai has achieved yet another milestone by registering nine lakh visitors since its inauguration on October 1, 2021. The Pavilion was inaugurated by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, and Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha and has so far clocked 9,05,021visitors as on 4th February 2022.

Indian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

In his tweet message, Shri Goyal said, “New India’s new milestone @Expo2020Dubai. Over 9 Lakh people have already visited the spellbinding India Pavilion. #IndiaAtDubaiExpo continues to capture the world’s imagination with its insight, innovation & opportunities.”

At present, the India Pavilion is hosting the Kerala Week, which was inaugurated 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 Dubai.

The state is showcasing its business potentials for investment in various key sectors along with its culture and tradition through a series of events. Kerala week is witnessing important government engagements with industry leaders, business organizations and one-to-one meetings with an intent to bring more investment to the state in key growth sectors.

ALSO READ: Slovenia celebrates National Day at Expo 2020

In the coming weeks, the India Pavilion will witness participation from states such as Tamil Nadu, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. Sectors such as Information and Broadcasting, Energy Conservation, Environment & Sustainability, Tribal Affairs will also display their potential and collaboration opportunities to the world at India Pavilion.

At this stupendous speed, India Pavilion will soon be celebrating the milestone of 1000K footfall.

Categories
Kerala Media

Kerala TV channel MediaOne files appeal against ban

Even though the channel authorities wished to have two day’s time to file a review petition and until then they should not be taken off the air, but the court refused….reports Asian Lite News

A day after a Single Bench of the Kerala High Court upheld the decision of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to revoke the license of Malayalam news channel MediaOne — Madhyamam Broadcasting Limited, they on Wednesday filed an appeal at the Division Bench of the Kerala High Court.

The appeal will now be heard on Thursday.

On Tuesday, passing the orders Justice A.N. Nagaresh said he has gone through the files.

“I find that the ministry has called for report from various intelligence agencies. Based on those inputs, it was found that security clearance should not be renewed. There are inputs which justify the decision. Therefore I am dismissing the petition,” said the judge and upheld the ban imposed by the I&B.

Even though the channel authorities wished to have two day’s time to file a review petition and until then they should not be taken off the air, but the court refused.

The Centre had submitted all the details in a sealed cover and it was on perusal of these the court took this decision and upheld the I&B’s decision to ban the channel.

Incidentally it was on January 31, the channel was taken off air following which they approached the High Court, which decided to defer the operation of the Ministry’s order and extended it two times till Tuesday, when the court dismissed the channel’s arguments.

ALSO READ: Army rescues youth stuck for 40 hours in Kerala
Categories
Defence Kerala

Army rescues youth stuck for 40 hours in Kerala

The Army team from Wellington in Tamil Nadu arrived late last night and early Wednesday morning within an hour, an official went down 400 metres and rescued Babu….reports Asian Lite News

The Army on Wednesday rescued a trekker who got trapped in a fault line of the Koormbachi hillock in Kerala’s Palakkad on February 7.

When Kerala’s rescue teams failed to lift the trekker to safety even after a 40-hour operation, the Army and Air Force help was sought.

Incidentally, this is the biggest operation in the state to rescue one individual.

A team of Army officials, including a Keralite officer, rescued the trekker identified as Babu and provided him food and water.

The Keralite officer is Lt Col Hemant, who studied at the now financially ailing Sainik School, here in the state capital city.

The Army team from Wellington in Tamil Nadu arrived late last night and early Wednesday morning within an hour, an official went down 400 metres and rescued Babu.

The man is now being moved to a hillock before being airlifted.

Once he is brought from there, he will be shifted to a state-run hospital.

Babu, 23, along with three of his friends, had climbed the hillock and while coming down, he slipped and fell into the fault line, on Monday afternoon.

After failing to rescue him, his friends rushed downhill and alerted the locals and soon came the rescue team, but they too failed.

On Tuesday, an Indian Coast Guard’s Chetak helicopter attempted the rescue operations, but, due to inclement weather, was unable to complete the mission.

ALSO READ: Ops underway in Kerala to rescue boy stranded on cliff
Categories
India News Kerala

Ops underway in Kerala to rescue boy stranded on cliff

For the rescue operation in Palakkad, two Army teams have been moved on requisition from the state government….reports Asian Lite News

Indian Army teams have undertaken a rescue operation to extricate a person stuck in a steep gorge in Kerala’s Malampuzha mountains.

Teams have been mobilised overnight and rescue operations are under progress, the Indian Army said.

For the rescue operation in Palakkad, two Army teams have been moved on requisition from the state government.

“One team of 12 personnel from Madras Regiment Centre, Wellington, consisting of mountain qualified personnel with specialist equipment reached by road at the location at early hours on Wednesday,” Army sources said.

The second team of 22 personnel from Parachute Regiment centre, Bangalore also moved by aircraft to Sulur and reached the spot by 4:00 am.

The boy named Babu from Malampuzha trapped in the pocket of a steep hill since Monday. Communication has been established with the boy and he is safe, the Army said.

Meanwhile, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan also spoke about the incident and said the efforts are in full swing to rescue the youth.

Taking to Twitter, Vijayan wrote, “Efforts are in full swing to rescue the youth trapped in Malampuzha Cherat hill. There are currently two units of the Indian Army at the scene. Army members were able to talk to him. The rescue operation will be intensified today. Air Force helicopter is ready to be deployed.” (ANI)

ALSO READ: Pinarayi opens Kerala Week at Expo 2020 Dubai
Categories
-Top News Dubai Kerala

Pinarayi opens Kerala Week at Expo 2020 Dubai

A high-level delegation headed by the Chief Minister will meet the investors during the week and pitch for investments, reports Asian Lite News

The India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai has begun week-long celebrations of south Indian state of Kerala with the inauguration of Kerala Week here by State’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the presence of UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.

Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, who was the guest of honour, P Rajeev, Minister for Law, Industries and Coir, Government of Kerala, Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to UAE, Dr. Aman Puri, Consul General of India in Dubai, were present along with other dignitaries.

Dr Al Zeyoudi, hailed UAE’s strategic relationship with India and warm ties with Kerala in particular. He also promised to the chief minister that there will be more investment in Kerala from the UAE, the Gulf News reported.

“Kerala and the UAE have worked towards growing a concrete relationship. We look forward to strengthening not only our business and economy, but also our social bonds. I will continue exploring and communicating with your team and ministers to ensure that the best comes to you,” Al Zeyoudi said.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Expo 2020 Dubai is a great example of the triumph of human spirit during a time of adversity, and also a catalyst for industrial revolution.

ALSO READ: UAE, Kerala have heart-to-heart relationship: Vijayan

“Frankly, it is a marvellous vision of the leadership to have hosted the Dubai Expo,” the Khaleej Times quoted Vijayan as saying. “When the Covid pandemic has dampened the spirit of humans as well as governments globally, the Expo stands out as a shining example of optimism, hope and determination conveying a clear message that together we can prevail over any adversity.

“UAE has set an example to the rest of the world that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going,” he added.

Malayalam superstar Mammotty, Indian businessman M.A. Yusuf Ali and other dignitaries from the South Indian state were also present. The programme was followed by cultural performances by artistes from Kerala, and diaspora connect events.

A high-level delegation headed by the Chief Minister will meet the investors during the week and pitch for investments.

A reception for Pinarayi Vijayan will also be organised by Norka Roots and Kerala Pravasi Lokam.

While the state’s industry department will showcase business potentials for investment in various key sectors and highlight the recent changes in the Ease of Doing Business policy, Shri P. A. Mohammed Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Kerala will lead an Industry awareness session along with a roadshow on the state’s Tourism capabilities.

Along with showcasing the business attractiveness, the state will also exhibit its rich art & cultural heritage to the global audience at the India Pavilion.

Categories
-Top News Dubai Kerala

UAE, Kerala have heart-to-heart relationship: Vijayan

“Kerala-UAE relations are not something formal. It is a very close heart-to-heart to relationship,” Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told Binsal Abdulkader in an exclusive interview

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Kerilites have been loved here very much and they just reciprocate to it

The UAE and south Indian state of Kerala have “a very close heart-to-heart relationship,” the state’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

“Kerala-UAE relations are not something formal. It is a very close heart-to-heart to relationship. All top UAE officials whom I met here told me that Kerala and Keralites occupy a special place in their heart. I did not hear this touching comment from one official but from all,” said Vijayan, who is on a week-long official visit to the UAE.

In an exclusive interview with WAM in Dubai on Thursday, he added that the frank and friendly conversations offered by the Emirati officials in his meetings with them reiterated the deep relationship.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, meets with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, at Expo 2020 Dubai

“They promised to support the developmental projects in Kerala. After all, they have always expressed their love and solidarity towards Kerala whenever the state is in need, especially when the devastating floods occurred in 2018 and 2019,” he said.

Why so many Keralites in UAE?

More than three million Indians constitute the largest expatriate community in the UAE; more than one million of them are Keralites, according to the Indian official.

“It was my privilege and honour to meet His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday. He asked me why so many Keralites have made the UAE, especially Dubai, their second home. I told him Keralites love this country so much. They have been loved here very much and they just reciprocate to it,” Vijayan said.

Sheikh Mohammed met Vijayan at Expo 2020 Dubai, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and other Emirati and Indian officials.

“As per the protocol, Sheikh Mohammed meets heads of state and government. Still, he was willing to meet [me], the head of a state government in India; it shows his special consideration for Kerala and Keralites. This proves his broadmindedness and magnanimity as a leader,” the Chief Minister said.

Indians well protected in UAE

Keralites have been part of this country’s journey towards development and progress, even before the formation of the UAE, he pointed out. “I am happy that His Highness Sheikh Mohamed and other top leaders acknowledge their contribution.”

“If you ask Indians, they will tell you that the UAE is a place where you can live without any concerns about safety and security. Nothing will change that perception.”

UAE is a living example of how to transform a country into a developed land from the scratches, the Chief Minister believes. “The [Emirati] leadership has a vision for progress and development. Any country that wants to progress, can take a leaf out of the UAE’s book.”

Kerala Week at Expo

The Chief Minister will inaugurate Kerala Week at the Indian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai on Friday. He said the state will showcase its culture, heritage, unique products, tourism potential, investment and business opportunities.

Pinarayi Vijayan visits UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 along with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed

“It is also a window for Kerala to reach out to the rest of the world,” he said.

UAE-India CEPA

The underway Comprehensive Economic Partnership (CEPA) between the UAE and India would benefit Kerala and Keralites, according to Vijayan.

“I am happy to see that with important agreements such as CEPA, India- UAE relations are going to new heights. Kerala will always contribute to such efforts to strengthen this historical relationship.”

Cooperation in railways, start-ups

The Chief Minister expects that his government would get support from the UAE Government for the flagship project K-Rail, a semi-highspeed rail project in Kerala. “We expect the UAE’s cooperation in the state’s plan to start COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing as well.”

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed meets with Pinarayi Vijayan, along with top Indian diplomats and community leaders

A delegation from Kerala to enhance cooperation with the UAE on start-ups will visit soon. “There is a huge cooperation potential in digital technologies as the UAE is a leader in this sector.”

Among his meetings in the UAE were with H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; and Abdulla Mohammed Al Mazrui, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

ALSO READ: Kerala set to showcase business potential at Expo 2020

Categories
India News Kerala

Ranji Trophy in two phases, to begin on Feb 10

According to the structure, one team from each Elite group qualifies for the quarter-finals, barring one which will have to play a pre-quarter-final match…reports Asian Lite News

The Ranji Trophy, India’s premier tournament in domestic cricket, would be held in two phases, broken down into pre and post the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 phases. The first phase will run from February 10 to March 15, where 34 matches will be played in 57 days. In the second phase, scheduled from May 30 to June 26, seven matches will be played in 28 days. Overall, 64 matches will be played in 62 days.

“We have spread the Ranji Trophy to nine different venues, across the country to mitigate any cross-transmission risk while also ensuring that bio-secure bubbles are not overburdened. While the persistent virus has still breached the bubble we have factored in certain contingency plans drawing from our past experience while formulating this structure,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah wrote to the state units on Thursday, in a report by Cricbuzz.

As per the schedule, the groups in the Ranji Trophy are divided into nine groups – eight elite and one plate. In the elite groups, four teams are there while the plate group has six teams. Elite teams in a group will play against each other while the plate teams will clash with only three teams in their group.

According to the structure, one team from each Elite group qualifies for the quarter-finals, barring one which will have to play a pre-quarter-final match. The lowest-ranked of the eight teams qualified from the Elite category will have to play the top side of the Plate group in the pre-quarterfinals. The quarter-final draw will be held after the end of pre-quarter-finals.

Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Delhi, Guwahati, Cuttack, Trivandrum, Chennai and Haryana (Rohtak and Gurugram) will be the venues for the Elite teams while Kolkata will host the Plate teams matches in the 2021/22 Ranji Trophy. No team will play their matches at home as the tournament follows the neutral venue option.

ALSO READ-My Struggles were lessons : Neeraj Chopra

Categories
-Top News Dubai Kerala

Kerala set to showcase business potential at Expo 2020

The state floor at the Indian Pavilion will be inaugurated by Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

The Indian state of Kerala is all set to showcase its business attractiveness to the global investors with its cultural heritage during the State’s week opening today at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The state floor at the Indian Pavilion will be inaugurated by Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala along with P. Rajeev, Minister for Law, Industries and Coir, Government of Kerala and Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to UAE today.

Dr Aman Puri, Consul General of India in Dubai and Deputy Commissioner-General for India at Expo 2020 and Mohammed Haneesh, Principal Secretary – Industries, Government of Kerala will also be present at the inaugural ceremony along with senior state Govt. officials, eminent industrialists based in UAE and NRK business community.

A high-level delegation headed by the Chief Minister will meet the investors during the week and pitch for investments. The programme would also feature diaspora connect events and showcase the tourism prowess to bring more investment and business opportunities in key growth sectors.

A reception for Pinarayi Vijayan will also be organised by Norka Roots and Kerala Pravasi Lokam.

While the state’s industry department will showcase business potentials for investment in various key sectors and highlight the recent changes in the Ease of Doing Business policy, Shri P. A. Mohammed Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Kerala will lead an Industry awareness session along with a roadshow on the state’s Tourism capabilities.

Along with showcasing the business attractiveness, the state will also exhibit its rich art & cultural heritage to the global audience at the India Pavilion.

Two days ago, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, met the Kerala Chief Minister at the Expo, where he praised the contributions of the Indian expatriate community to the UAE’s development and 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.

Sheikh Mohammed affirmed the UAE’s keenness to expand economic and investment cooperation with India and further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. India is the UAE’s second-largest trading partner while the UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner and the largest in the Arab world.

Sheikh Mohammed further said that the UAE’s ability to provide a conducive environment for foreign investment, a supportive legislative framework that protects these investments and a productive base for international companies to establish their headquarters creates a wide range of opportunities for enhancing the partnership between the two countries.

Noting that India’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai has enriched the event, Sheikh Mohammed said the organisation of ‘Kerala Week’ within the Indian Pavilion will showcase the state’s economic and investment potential. The country’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai gives an opportunity for the two countries to explore new partnerships that can help build on the strong historical ties between India and the UAE.

The Kerala Chief Minister expressed his pride in the strong relationship the people of the state have with the UAE.

He conveyed his deep appreciation to the UAE government for ensuring the welfare of the Indian expatriate community. Expatriates from Kerala account for a large percentage of the Indian community in the UAE.

Pinarayi Vijayan noted that the two countries have significantly enhanced their ties in recent years as evidenced by the growing bilateral trade.

He expressed the hope that the two sides will continue to advance their cooperation in various sectors and wished the UAE leadership and people continued progress and prosperity in the years to come.

Vijayan also met with Abdulla Mohammed Al Mazrui, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and discussed the prospects of cooperation in diverse economic sectors and the best means of cementing trade and investment relations between Abu Dhabi and Kerala in a way that reflects their respective capabilities.

Vijayan called on to the Abu Dhabi Chamber to form an economic delegation and visit Kerala to take a closer look at the available investment opportunities in diverse sectors, especially in agriculture, industry and tourism.

ALSO READ-DAILY BRIEF: Punjab CM’s nephew held and Indian diplomats boycott Beijing Winter Olympics