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The UPA Government has encouraged and actively supported the efforts of the Kerala Govt to grow into a major investment hub, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said. He said the Centre would like the state to embark on a path of people-focused inclusive and sustainable development, driven by knowledge and innovation, and mindful of the environmental concerns. Dr. Singh, who inaugurated the event 'Emerging Kerala-2012-Global Connect' here today in his address on the occasion said labour intensive light manufacturing has a strong comparative advantage in this state and all assistance needs to be given to the small and micro business enterprises. "I appreciate that the state government under the distinguished leadership of Oomen Chandy is fully alive to the need for rapidly building up infrastructure, which is so essential for rapid industrial growth," he added. Dr. Singh urged the Kerala Government to derive maximum possible benefit from initiatives of the Central Government especially the National Skill Development Mission. "This would go a long way in tapping the energies of Kerala's educated manpower," he added. Stating that Kerala will be able to capitalize on its immense resources to emerge stronger as an important investment destination in the country, Dr. Singh said: " I wish the state government and its people all success in their endeavours for building a modern, industrialised and prosperous Kerala." Dr. Singh complimented Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, the Government of Kerala, the CII and NASSCOM for organizing the mega event Emerging Kerala 2012- Global Connect. "I am particularly happy that this is not a one-off event but the beginning of a process which would bring together government and corporate leaders, heads of regulatory institutions, economists, scholars and eminent men and women from various walks of life every two years to find ways and means and explore new pathways to make Kerala a power-house of sustained economic and social development," he added. The Prime Minister pointed out that the confluence of talent, expertise and experience could result in valuable strategic alliances with the potential to open up new and innovative avenues for fulfilling the aspirations of the people. "It could lead to new partnerships that could help in building local capacities boosting local employment, adding value to local production and enhancing exports, thereby assisting the State in unleashing the vast latent potential of this creative state of Kerala. I wish this event all success for this year and also for the coming years," he added. The Prime Minister wished all Keralites on their state festival of Onam. "I am delighted to be once again in this beautiful state of Kerala. The State festival of Onam has just passed and I wish all Keralites, both resident and non-resident, happiness and sustained prosperity in the coming year," said Dr. Singh. "Before I proceed further, let me extend a very warm welcome to our foreign dignitaries: members of the dilomatic community, and other distinguished participants from all parts of the world, who are present with us today," he added.

Centre supports Kerala efforts in investment hub: PM