The Hindu Business Line : Two firms shortlisted for Kochi gem park

Park plans
A one-stop destination where bulk orders can be placed on more than one manufacturer at the same location.
Units identified in the 240-acre space include Biotechnology, SEZ for electronics and Trade Centre.
Kinfra has invested around Rs 25 crore for developing basic infrastructure.

Kochi , Jan. 18

The Board of Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra) has shortlisted two firms for the proposed Park of Gem and Jewellery to be set up in 33 acres of land at Kinfra Hi-Tech Park in Kalamassery near Kochi. To bag the deal, the firms will go through another selection process.

The Corporation had selected the proposals of Gitanjali Gems Ltd, Mumbai, and Aerens Goldsouk International Ltd, Gurgaon, based on the eligibility criteria as ratified by the Board. The two firms were also asked to submit a business plan.

Mr A.S. Suresh Babu, Managing Director, Kinfra, said that the Corporation received feedback from from four private developers when it floated the Tender in September last year.

One-stop shop

The proposal is to set up the park as a joint venture of Kinfra and the World Gold Council with participation from private sector partners. It is aimed at investors working in the area of processing gold and gems and manufacturing jewellery.

The park will be a one-stop destination where bulk orders can be placed on more than one manufacturer at the same location and where the producers can avail the services offered by the park, Mr Babu said.

Work in progress

He pointed out that construction work in the park spread over an area of 240 acres is progressing fast and that Kinfra has invested around Rs 25 crore for the development of basic infrastructure. The units identified in the park included Biotechnology, SEZ for electronics and Trade Centre.

On the proposed biotechnology park, Mr Babu said Kinfra has allotted land to TCG Urban Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. To be set up in 50 acres of land, the park will have technology incubation centres, a pilot plant and other facilities.

The Department of Biotechnology of the Central Government sanctioned financial assistance of Rs 11 crore for the development of the technology incubation centre, to be operational by the end of this year, he added. Kinfra has also selected Zoom Developers Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, as the developer of the International Exhibition and Trade Centre, considering the vitality and immense potential of the MICE sector.

Special zone

Regarding the development of SEZ for Electronics, he said the Corporation had received EOI from only SFO Technologies, a NeST Group company.

The proposal is to set up a product-specific SEZ with world-class infrastructure for the electronics industry in 30 acres of land. For the final selection, the companies have been asked to submit the business plan before the selection committee.

Kinfra has also entered into an MoU with Sutherland Global Services, who are setting up their BPO centre in 25 acres of land. The proposal has been forwarded to the State Government for land allotment, he added.

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