The Hindu Business Line : Kerala plans network of business consultants

The Kerala Industries Department is planning to establish a network of `business consultancy service providers' to enhance the department's service delivery mechanism.

The Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion (K-BIP) has initiated the process of spotting the consultants for undertaking a variety of activities such as conducting studies in specific sectors and recommend concrete action plans with the focus on the national and international scenario.

According to department officials, the consultancy services will include promotion of business alliances; preparation of specific action plans for selected sectors or areas; implementation of action plans; and evaluation and dissemination of results.

The areas identified for consultancy services are: traditional sector; agro-processing and food technology; light engineering; hosiery and garments; wood-based industries; marketing (benchmarking and formulation of strategy); and packaging and branding.

One of the projects involving consultants is the proposed "Kollam growth pole", featuring a group of industrial clusters over an area of 90 sq km. The department has received the go-ahead for the preparation of a detailed project report for the development of the `growth pole' conceptualised by the National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector.

Kerala is one of the three states selected for the programme, the others being Rajasthan and Uttaranchal. Kerala had submitted four proposals from which Kollam was selected.

The officials said that 15 clusters have been identified for the development of the `growth pole'. The project will cover existing clusters in the area such as lace works, fisheries, straw pictures, cashew and dairy products.

More clusters will be developed in the identified `growth pole' area, which will be networked. The programme involves participation by various government departments such as power, public works and water supply, the officials said.

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