Kerala

Known globally for its backwaters, Kerala is India’s most literate state and was declared the nation's first digital State in 2016.

Last updated: May 9, 2022

US$ 9.8bn worth of exports recorded during fiscal 2018-19.

Largest producer of rubber, coir, and coconut in India.

590km coastline has backed marine trade for +1,000 years.

Services contribute 64% of GSDP, tourism contributes 10%.

94% literacy rate in Kerala is the highest among Indian states.

$139.94 bn GSDP recorded during 2020-21.

US$$439.50 mn FDI Inflows during Oct 2019 - Sep 2021

Thiruvananthapuram

Cochin Port

A natural port on busy international sea routes is backed by 16 smaller ports.

SEZ

Cochin Port has been promoting major investments in sea trade based SEZs.

66%

of Kerala's export income comes from spices, fishery, cashews, coffee, and pickles.

Tourism

is a booming industry owing to beaches, backwaters, forest reserves, and hill stations.

874

power looms support a vast textile industry; 48 handicrafts cooperative societies.

500+

IT companies have their bases in Kerala that employ over 50,000 workers.

4

international airports (highest among Indian states) connect the world with Kerala

Kerala Agricultural Development Policy 2015

Kerala produced its first policy on agriculture in the year 1992. It was a welcome document providing a vision on the lines through which Kerala agriculture should be guided.
Kerala Micro Small Medium Enterprises Facilitation Act 2019

This facilitation Act will help enhance the ease of doing business in the state and give a big boost  to investments. 
Private Industrial Estate Scheme

This will help the state to empower private entities to develop industrial estates in the State.

Kerala Industrial & Commercial Policy 2018

To transform Kerala into a vibrant investment destination with an effervescent entrepreneurial society through inclusive, eco-friendly and sustainable economic growth.
Kerala State IT Policy 2017

The policy endeavours to outline a strategy for harnessing the opportunities and the resources offered by IT in the social and economic development of Kerala.
Kerala Scientific Mining Policy, 2015

The policy on scientific mining released by the State Planning Board proposes to encourage geomapping of mineral resources in the state and minimising of environmental damage.
Kerala Solar Energy Policy 2013

The document aims to formulate a Solar Policy for the development of Solar Power in the State.
Kerala EV Policy 2019

The policy aims to introduce 1 million EVs in the state by 2022.
Kerala Technology Startup Policy 2014

Kerala is a leading new destination of technological R&D and startup ventures in India.
Kerala Health Policy

In order to navigate the health sector through the multiple challengesfaced in this sector, the Government of Kerala has created this policy of framework under which all the stakeholders can develop their strategies. 

Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation

+91-471-2318922

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KSIDC is the modal agency of the Government of Kerala for the promotion and development of medium and large scale units in the State.

Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board

+91-471-2780900

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KIIFB is a government owned financial institution in Kerala to mobilise funds for infrastructure development from outside the state revenue.

Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation

+91-471-2726585

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KINFRA aims at bringing together all the suitable resources available in the state and developing infrastructure to promote industrial growth of the State.

Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry

+91-484-2380950; 2354885

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KCCI is a voluntary organization that promotes and develops trade and industry in Kerala and functions as a central forum for businesspersons.

Key Investment Agency

key growth sectors

Here are the leading sectors with opportunities for foreign investors

Agriculture
Automobile
Automobile Components
Biotechnology
Chemicals
Construction
Defence Manufacturing
Electrical Machinery
Electronic Systems
Food Processing
Gems & Jewellery
Healthcare
IT and BPM
Leather
Oil and Natural Gas
Pharmaceuticals
Ports and Shipping
Renewable Energy
Retail & E-commerce
Telecom
Textiles and Garments
Tourism
Wellness

key investors

GAIL India is building a 1,100 km gas pipeline and connecting consumers such as Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals

Kirloskar Solar has partnered with GSL Energy Solutions to install 200 MW of solar power in the state by 2020.

Collabera, an American IT staffing, consulting and business services firm, has set up an operation in Thiruvananthapuram

A. Hartrodt, a German logistics firm, runs its regional operations from its centre in Kerala

Xerox, which sells print and digital document solutions, runs a manufacturing plant in Kochi

Investment Opportunities

Kochi Metro

Phase 2 of the Kochi Metro project is currently underway, following a highly successful first line. The project offers substantial investment opportunities.

Mega Food Park

by Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) in Palakkad, spread over 32 ha and KINFRA Industrial Park in Adoor on 34 ha.

Deepwater Terminal

Vizhinjam deep-water container transshipment terminal, being developed as a transshipment hub to cater to the current largest mother vessel with a capacity of 18,000 TEU.

IT parks

coming up at Cherthala (27 ha), Kannur (10 ha), Kasaragod (40 ha), Kollam (18 ha), Koratty (12 ha) and Kozhikode (17 ha).

Smart Cities Mission

has selected Kochi (commercial capital of Kerala) and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala for sustainable urban development.

Industrial Corridor

A major industrial corridor in Kerala is planned to pass through Kochi and Bengaluru, leading to investment opportunities.

New multiplexes

to be set up by Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) in various parts of the state.

Seven highways

are to be developed with a budget of US$ 1.58bn.

Kochi-Mangalore Pipeline

spanning 450kms is to be developed.

For more information please click these links
CDRI ISO

State Attractions

Chinese fishing nets in Kochi, Kerala
Tea plantations in Munnar, Kerala,
A traditional house boat is anchored on the shores of a fishing lake in Kerala's Backwaters, India.

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News

Additional CAPEX to bolster State development

September 15, 2021

India records significant progress on Sustainable Development Goals

June 7, 2021

India’s Agarbatti sector looking for global growth

May 11, 2021

Germany’s recent contribution to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan

April 19, 2021

Government of India fast-tracks MSME insolvency

April 2, 2021
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