Kerala - Kochi   

Kerala’s strides in IT impress Singapore team

KOCHI: The development achieved by the State in the information technology (IT) sector was a discovery to the visiting Singapore delegation.

“The social growth achievement of Kerala was known to us. But the growth of the State in IT sector was a real discovery to us,” said Dr. Balaji Sadasivan, senior Minister for Foreign Affairs, Singapore.

The visit to the IT Park on Monday was an eye-opener, said Dr. Sadasivan during his interaction with Kochi Mayor Mercy Williams at the Mayor’s chamber on Monday.

“What are the major problems faced by the city,” asked Dr. Sadasivan.

In her reply, Ms. Williams listed the issues the city was facing, including problems in the transport sector.

Dr. Sadasivan wanted to know whether the large number of Keralites working abroad were causing any challenges to the State. Earlier, the State was concerned about the brain drain. But the people working abroad were bringing in more money to the State, Ms. Williams said.

The increasing land price following the emergence of the city as a major development hub was a bottleneck the city was facing while inviting investors, explained District Collector M. Beena.

The government was thinking in terms of setting up a land bank for finding land for future projects, said Corporation Secretary Mini Antony.

The visiting minister was also keen to know who was in charge of the development of the roads and other infrastructure facilities and tourism in the State.

The Mayor also explained the heritage conservation activities undertaken by the city including the setting up of a centre for heritage development.

Ms. Williams presented Dr. Sadasivan with a memento at a reception accorded to him at the Corporation Council hall.

Dr. Sadasivan, in turn, presented a memento to the Mayor. He also presented a copy of the encyclopaedia on Indian Diaspora to the Mayor.

Deputy Mayor C.K. Manisankar presented mementos to the Singapore delegates.

Rajan Chedambath, director of the Centre for Heritage Environment and Development made a presentation on Kochi city and its development perspectives.

Representatives of the Cochin Port Trust and Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry also made presentations at the meeting.

Development Standing Committee chairman K.J. Sohan proposed a vote of thanks.

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