Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is on a four-day visit to the UAE with the sole aim of bringing new projects and investments into the flood-ravaged Indian state.

From February 13 to February 16, the chief minister will be meeting the UAE leaders, business community members and attend the region’s first Loka Kerala Sabha (World Kerala Assembly). His whirlwind itinerary covers the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

On Day One, Vijayan met Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Dr Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Adnoc Group CEO; and Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Investment.

Breaking new grounds, Vijayan invited Adnoc to invest into crude oil refinery in the financial city of Kochi. According to the chief minister’s media team, a joint task force will be created in this regard to conduct a feasibility study. If the outcome of the study is positive then a team led by Dr Jaber will visit Kerala for further deliberations. Vijayan has promised Dr Jaber an investment-friendly environment with land and infrastructure needed for Adnoc to set base in Kerala.

Business Conclave in Sharjah

On February 14, the Kerala CM will open the Gulf Madhyamam’s ‘Come on Kerala’ Business Conclave at Expo Centre Sharjah. “The chief minister and Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, will open the conclave by 5:30 pm,” Gulf Madhyamam general manager Mohammed Rafiq said.

He noted some 200,000 people are expected during three days of the conclave, which is termed a ‘win-win’ opportunity for Kerala and local investors.

“This is the biggest Indian event in the region. There are more than 200 brands exhibiting their products. We have panel discussions on all three days with added elements of entertainment shows with many celebrities,” Rafiq added.

Loka Kerala Sabha

On February 15-16, Vijayan will attend the two-day Loka Kerala Sabha (LKS) at Etisalat Academy in Dubai. The community members are looking at the event with great expectation.

Kerala Social Centre president A.K. Beeran Kutty, who is among the event coordinators, said the LKS is an opportunity for the community to put forth their issues and find a solution. “This is for the first time that we have a platform to be part of discussions, deliberate on issues we are facing. We can discuss the rehabilitation of NRKs, opportunities back in Kerala, new schemes that can be launched for benefit of common man, clarity on pension schemes among others.”

He said only selected office-bearers from the association will take part in the LKS but there is a public event on February 15, evening which will see mass participation from Abu Dhabi.

“We have arranged 25 84-seater buses and five 33-seater buses to take supporters to the event. More than 2,200 people from Abu Dhabi City, Mussafah, Baniyas and Shabia will be part of the event from Abu Dhabi. The chief minister is likely to have a few official visits in Dubai. We are all hopeful of big announcement in coming days to help rebuild Kerala.”

Key programmes

1-February 14 – Inauguration of Come on Kerala Business Conclave at Expo Centre Sharjah

2-February 15 – Opening of Loka Kerala Sabha at Etisalat Academy in Dubai, public meeting in the evening

3-February 16 – Loka Kerala Sabha