Kerala - Kochi   

Industry hails SmartCity deal

Thiruvananthapuram: The Group of Technology Companies (GTech), the industry body of the software companies of Kerala, has welcomed the agreement reached between the government of Kerala and representatives of TECOM to fast track the implementation of the SmartCity project Kochi.

A pressnote issued by Gtech said the agreement would help not only to enhance the viability of the SmartCity project but also promote the general services sector.

“It is equally encouraging to note that clear-cut milestones – opening of the SmartCity office by August 31, concept master plan within a month thereafter, and commencement of work by October 31 – have been spelt out. These are welcome signals.”

It said the decision of the government of Kerala to convert SmartCity into an industrial township under the Special Economic Zone of the government of India would provide an enabling ecosystem for the growth of IT and general services activities in the State. GTech complimented the State government for taking steps to implement the project. It expressed confidence that this would send out a positive signal to potential investors.

“Information Technology is one of the most suitable industries for a State like Kerala. It offers huge employment opportunities with attractive remuneration. If encouraged to grow, it has the potential to dramatically transform the socio- economic landscape of Kerala. The SmartCity project would be a significant step in this direction,” said V.K. Mathews, chairman of GTech and executive chairman of IBS Group.

“The conversion of SmartCity into a multi-service SEZ using the extra four acres from KINFRA should be looked upon by TECOM as an opportunity to build a self-sustained township in the region. This township should not only concentrate on apartments but should also cover civic and social infrastructural aspects like education, waste management, sewage treatment and drinking water,” said Anoop P. Ambika, secretary, GTech.

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