Kerala has Become the Most ideal State for Industries: Finance Minister

KOCHI:
“Kerala has evolved as an ideal destination for industries that are advancing by adopting technological changes in tune with the times”, said Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal inaugurating the Industrial Mega Summit, addressing the 10,000 KSSIA members from all 14 districts of Kerala.

The three-day expo was organized by the Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSIA) and Metro Mart, at the at the Adlux International Convention Centre, Angamaly with the cooperation of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala, and the Ministry of MSME, Government of India. It was announced during the closing ceremony that the third edition of the India International Industrial Expo will be held in Kochi from January 21 to 23, 2028.

“Kerala is witnessing a positive shift in its industrial culture and entrepreneurial spirit every year. To achieve sustainable growth, industries must embrace modernization in both their processes and products. With high-quality roads, airports, and ports, Kerala’s infrastructure is among the best in the country. Our advancements in the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ rankings are drawing investors back to the state to start new businesses. He pointed out that successfully organized expos and meetups provide visitors with valuable new insights. The Minister assured that the government remains committed to supporting social security for industrialists.

The event also featured a key note address by Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan. “It is important to refine state building regulations to offer the flexibility and relaxations necessary to support MSMEs and the broader business community. We welcome a formal proposal from KSSIA on this matter and believe it should be finalized through a direct interactive session with their members”, said V.D. Satheesan, Leader of Opposition in his keynote address.

Recognized as South India’s largest international industrial exhibition, the Expo featured nearly 500 stalls, showcasing approximately 50,000 products. In three days more than 15000 people visited the expo. At the event, a cheque for ₹10 lakh was presented to V.J. Kurian, the husband of the late Annamma Kurian, who passed away while running her enterprise, the payout was part of the KSSIA Social Security scheme.

The Expo hosted media conclave, seminars, panel discussions, buyer–seller meets, and vendor development programmes, aimed at promoting global market expansion for Indian industries. Kerala Pavilion by the Department of Industries and Commerce, special help desks for machinery manufacturers and banking institutions were also part of the expo. Leading machinery manufacturers from across India and countries like Japan presented their cutting-edge technologies and innovative industrial solutions.

A. Nizarudeen, KSSIA State President, G.S. Prakash, Director, Ministry of MSME, Thrissur, K. Ajithkumar, Executive Chairman, BPST, V.K.C.Mammed Koya, Ex-MLA, KSSIA past State President, Vice Admiral Sreekumaran Nair (Retd), MD, Keltron, Sunilkumar. S. GM Canara Bank, Khalid. M. KSSF Chairman, Damodar Avanoor, KSSIA past State President, K.P. Ramachandran Nair, Chairman IIIE 2026, Siji Nair, MD, Metro Mart, Joseph Paikada, KSSIA General Secretary, B. Jayakrishnan, KSSIA State Treasurer, KSSIA State Vice Presidents such as P.J. Jose, Fasiludeen, A.V. Sunil Nath, KSSIA State Secretaries such as M.S. Anaz and M.M. Mujeeb Rahiman, K.V. Anwar, KSSIA State Jt. Secretary, S. Salim, KSSIA Chief News Editor were present during the closing ceremony.