Kochi, February 22, 2025 – The much-anticipated Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025 drew to a close today at the Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre in Kochi, marking a significant milestone in Kerala's journey toward becoming a premier investment destination. Organized by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) under the Department of Industry and Commerce, the two-day event, held on February 21–22, showcased the state’s potential as a hub for sustainable and innovative economic growth. The Kerala government now expects investments totalling ₹1 lakh crore, driven by commitments from major industry players and a renewed focus on infrastructure and technology.
A Grand Gathering of Global Stakeholders
Inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the summit attracted nearly 3,000 delegates, including Union and state ministers, foreign dignitaries, industry leaders, and investors from 24 countries. The event featured 22 sector-specific sessions, six country-focused collaborations, and an exhibition spotlighting over 100 enterprises, traditional handicrafts, and Kerala’s industrial success stories. With a theme centered on responsible and sustainable growth, the summit aimed to forge lasting partnerships and position Kerala as a model for balanced economic progress.
Chief Minister Vijayan, in his inaugural address, emphasized Kerala’s transformation into an investment-friendly state. “Kerala is on the cusp of a historic shift in its investment landscape. Over the past eight years, we have laid a strong foundation with 6,200 startups, ₹5,800 crore in investments, and 62,000 jobs created. Our goal is to establish 15,000 startups and generate one lakh jobs by 2026,” he stated. He also highlighted the state’s leadership in ease of doing business and its unique achievement of 100% digital literacy, reinforcing Kerala’s appeal to global investors.
Major Investment Commitments
The summit witnessed significant investment pledges from prominent corporations, signaling robust confidence in Kerala’s economic ecosystem. The standout announcement came from the Adani Group, with Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd., committing ₹30,000 crore over the next five years. This investment will bolster infrastructure, including further development of the Vizhinjam International Seaport—where the group has already invested ₹5,000 crore—and expansion of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport’s capacity from 4.5 million to 12 million passengers annually with an additional ₹5,500 crore. Plans also include a logistics and e-commerce hub in Kochi and expanded cement manufacturing capacity.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, participating virtually, unveiled a ₹3 lakh crore infrastructure development plan for Kerala, with ₹50,000 crore earmarked for immediate road projects spanning 896 km. Key initiatives include the Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road (₹5,000 crore) and a new road connecting Kollam to Tamil Nadu cities (₹300 crore), set to commence within months. Gadkari underscored the centrality of infrastructure to tourism and economic growth, assuring central government support for world-class facilities.
Other notable commitments included Brigade Group’s ₹1,500 crore expression of interest, expected to create over 12,000 jobs, Aster DM Healthcare’s ₹850 crore plan for new hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod, and Kaynes Technology’s ₹500 crore investment in electronics manufacturing. These pledges align with Kerala’s New Industrial Policy, which prioritizes futuristic sectors like AI, robotics, aerospace, and renewable energy.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
Union Minister Piyush Goyal, addressing the summit, linked Kerala’s progress to India’s broader economic ambitions. “The Centre is working with all states to achieve a USD 30–35 trillion economy by 2047. Kerala’s strides in infrastructure, tourism, and startups exemplify how regional growth fuels national development,” he said. The summit also featured discussions on Kerala’s “Mission 1000,” an initiative to elevate 1,000 enterprises to ₹100 crore businesses within three years, further amplifying its industrial transformation.
Industries Minister P. Rajeeve described the event as a turning point. “Investor confidence in Kerala has soared, particularly in GenAI and robotics, where we’ve prioritized government support. The launch of our first robotics park in Thrissur and IBM’s GenAI Innovation Center in Kochi, creating 1,500 jobs, are testaments to this momentum,” he noted. The state’s startup ecosystem, bolstered by a single-window clearance system and dedicated tech parks, emerged as a key draw for investors.
Looking Ahead
As the curtains fell on the summit, the Kerala government expressed optimism about translating these commitments into tangible outcomes. The expected ₹1 lakh crore in investments promises to catalyze job creation, infrastructure upgrades, and industrial diversification, aligning with the state’s vision of inclusive and sustainable prosperity. With its strategic location, skilled workforce, and progressive policies, Kerala is poised to redefine its role in India’s economic narrative.
The success of the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025 underscores a collaborative spirit between the state, central government, and private sector—a synergy that could propel Kerala toward a future where economic growth harmonizes with its rich natural and cultural heritage. As implementation begins, all eyes will be on Kerala to deliver on this ambitious promise.