Kochi: The Kerala state government is planning to organise a global investors meet to mobilise funds for its Rs 50,000-crore investment in the next five-year plan.
Chief Minister A K Antony said the meet would be held in Kochi in April 2002. At the Conclave of Southern States, organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) and the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he said the meet would project Kerala as an investor-friendly state where changes are taking place at a rapid pace. It would also highlight the states potential to develop.

He said a similar meet held in Bangalore had attracted Rs 25,000-crore worth investment to the Karnataka state.
A legal framework would soon be in place to facilitate the heavy inflow of investments in IT, tourism and infrastructure development, he said. The state will catch up with other southern states in the next five years in terms of economic development and infrastructure building.

Tourism Minister K V Thomas said coordination among several ministers and departments is essential for promoting tourism in south India. The tourism industry players meet held in Thiruvanthapuram had expressed confidence that the industry would be soon able to manage the crisis caused by the terrorist attacks in America.

The conclave of southern states is Assochams initiative to focus on the development needs and potential of the southern states, particularly in the field of IT, tourism and other key emerging areas.