Two day global Non Resident Keralites meet from Friday

Kochi: With foreign remittances to Kerala touching Rs 72,000 crore in 2013-14 fiscal, the two-day Global NRK Meet beginning here Friday will provide a major platform for the government to boost the confidence of expatriate Keralites in investing in infrastructure development projects in the state.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and other cabinet ministers will hold a series of discussions with Non Resident Keralites (NRK) at the conclave on various issues, ranging from investment opportunities, rehabilitation of returnees and the problems being faced by NRK women.

At least 1,000 NRKs from around the globe are expected to attend the meet, which will be inaugurated by Chandy, while state Governor P Sathasivam will attend valedictory function on Saturday.

Non Resident Keralites from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and the US are attending the meet, which will have a face-to-face session with the CM and Non-Resident Keralite Affairs (Norka) Minister, K C Joseph Friday to discuss various issues.

"We will have an open discussion with NRKs to address issues such as re-employment and rehabilitation of NRKs returning to the State," said Joseph. "We will also focus on promoting investments from NRKs in various sectors, mainly infrastructure, IT and social enterprises," he said.

Norka Secretary Rani George said the meet would promote the state as a perfect destination for investment.

"Currently, the NRKs do not have any negative perception on the investment climate in Kerala," she noted. "We want to further boost their confidence and the meet will be a platform for them to explore investment opportunities in Kerala and the government to facilitate it," she added.