Kerala - Kochi   

‘Boost to investment-friendly image of State’

KOCHI: Smart City Kochi finally got off the mark on Friday surviving many a political storm, arguments and counter arguments.

Ministers who spoke at the function said the project was testimony to how to protect the interests of the State while courting investments.

Fisheries Minister S. Sarma, who is also the Chairman of the Smart City Kochi, set the tone stating that the LDF Government had shown how to implement projects without compromising the interests of the State.

Civil Supplies Minister C. Divakaran said Smart City was a strong response by the State’s workers to all those who had in the past alleged that foreign investments would not come to the shores of the State owing to labour problems.

He added that improving employer-employee relations in the State would add to its investment-friendly status.

Water Resources Minister N.K. Premachandran said the project protected the interests of the State.

He said that being one of the most debated projects in the history of the State, the world was closely following the progress of the project.

He regarded Smart City Kochi as a message by the State that it was open to investments without harming its interests. Mr. Premachandran also appreciated Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan for securing the best deal.

Public Works Minister Mons Joseph described the project as one that was being eagerly looked upon by the student community in the State.

The project dispelled fears, including that of Non-Resident Keralites, that the State was not investor-friendly.

He said the project would mark the occasion for the State to draw up new action plan for putting in place better transportation infrastructure.

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