The Hindu Business Line : CII unveils 10-point plan for Kerala's industrial growth

The Confederation of Indian Industry has rolled out a 10-point agenda for the rapid industrial growth in Kerala as well as to make the State as the hub for medical tourism.

Towards the objective of making Kerala as one of the top five destinations in the world for medical tourism, the CII would facilitate in accreditation of hospitals to international standards and also bring out a study on medical tourism to analyse the potential in the State.

Addressing a press meet Mr P.K. Mohapatra, Deputy Chairman, CII Southern Region and President and Chief Executive, RPG Enterprises, said CII would facilitate accreditation of hospitals in Kerala for standardisation of hospital services and to equip them on par with international standards to promote health tourism. CII has also tied up with National Accreditation Board to take forward this initiative, he said.

Health tourism

Health tourism in Kerala, he said, is poised for exponential growth in view of the growth in Indian healthcare market, which is growing 20 per cent annually. The State's travel and tourism sectors which contribute over 13 per cent to the State's GDP is also another key driver of the State's healthcare sector, he said.

On the agriculture sector, Mr Mohapatra said that CII has taken a lead in the facilitation of Geographical Indication (GI) Certification for Palakkadan and Navara rice varieties. This initiative would provide farmers opportunities to access global markets for their agri produce. Eco farming, farm tourism, heritage preservation etc were also some of key areas CII would focus this year, he added.

Rural business

According to Mr Mohapatra, CII has taken a national level initiative on promoting `Rural Business Hubs' with an objective of promoting rural business. CII is working closely with the Kerala Government and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in promoting Rural Business Hubs through Public-Private Partnership model.

With a view to enhancing the employability of skilled workforce, CII initiated upgradation of 18 Industrial Training Institute (ITIs) in Kerala in partnership with Institute Management Committees (IMCs).

Under the Clean Kerala Mission Project, CII would facilitate setting up of 100 waste management projects at the local Panchayat level in the State. CII has earmarked Rs1 crore towards this initiative and the project would be implemented on public-private partnership model. CII is also working with KSIDC for setting up of Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TDSF) for Industrial waste.

CII is also working closely with the Kochi Corporation in overall improvement in local self-governance. Kochi Corporation is one of the 5 selected corporations to participate in Euro India Summit to be held in February 2007 in Goa. The Summit would give an opportunity to the Corporation to network and sign MoUs with 5 select corporations from the European Union.

Mr Nawas Meeran, Chairman, CII - Kerala and Mr Umang Patodia, Vice Chairman, CII - Kerala also attended the press meet.

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