The Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the nodal body of the Industrial and Business fraternity of the state has always been in the forefront in building a positive and conducive environment for business and industrial growth in the state for the last 6 decades. The Chamber also provides avenues of rehabilitation to NRIs returning to their homeland due to the global meltdown by providing investment opportunities and employment avenues.
Kerala offers an untapped treasure of opportunities in its rural areas. Vast natural resources, skilled and literate manpower, a pro-active government that realizes the need for infrastructure and local self-governments that support ventures have opened new areas of investments. The Chamber believes that the strength of the state lies in its Panchayaths.
KCCI initiated a study to evaluate the opportunities for investment and growth in the rural areas. A team of economists conducted a survey in all the 999 Panchayaths of the state and has compiled a report titled 'Investment opportunities in the state of Kerala'. The report has identified a large number of projects in various sectors that offer a good potential for investment. The projects identified include Panchayath level investments ranging from Rs. 5 lakhs to major infrastructure projects.
INVESTMENT IN KERALA
Kerala offers the best factors for realizing responsible investments. Kerala has the highest number of qualified workforce when compared with other states of India.
Kerala is the first and fully literate state with highest HDI (Human Development Index) in India. People of Kerala have higher purchasing power that signifies the presence of major international brands in the market.Consumers are more ‘quality-conscious’. Decides every purchase after studying the reputation of the brand.Appreciates quality offers at economy rates.
The Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( KCCI ), is a voluntary organization that promotes and develops trade and industry in Kerala and functions as a central forum for businessmen. The KCCI is the first trade organization in India to receive the ISO 9001:2000 Certificate, and is registered under the Indian Companies Act 1957. The KCCI has its headquarters in Cochin, the economic capital of Kerala, and has offices in Trivandrum, Palakkad and W.Island.
The KCCI traces its origin to 12th May 1951, when the representatives of the local trade associations decided to set up a common forum under the name - THE ERNAKULAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.KCCI was registered under the Indian Companies Act 1957 and the name was changed to KERALA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY on 17th October 2001.
KCCI celebrated its Golden Jubilee on 24th November 2000, with the then Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. E.K.Nayanar inaugurating the celebration. The Kerala Trade Centre, the Golden Jubilee Project of KCCI, was announced on this day.
Website: www.keralachamber.in
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the Chamber is to facilitate, protect and promote trade and commerce in Kerala by considering and formulating opinions on all subjects connected with trade, commerce and industries and conveying it to local, state or central authorities.
VISION
We will endeavor to transform the State of Kerala to a vibrant economy with inclusive growth that emulates world standards in every sphere.
DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE
The Chamber has been actively involved in the development of infrastructure which is essential for the growth of economy. It played a crucial role for the establishment of the Vallarpadam International Container Transhipment Terminal and Goshree Islands Development Authority. It was this Chamber that proposed the International Airport in Cochin with private sector participation, and offered a substantial amount to the Cochin International Airport Society. The Chamber also sponsored the construction of bridge over Perandoor Canal on the busy Sahodaran Ayyappan Road in Cochin City.
MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING
The chamber has been actively involved in the development of infrastructure which is essential for the growth of economy. It played a crucial role for the establishment of the Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal and Goshree Islands Development Authority. It was this chamber that proposed the International Airport in Kochi with private sector participation, and offered a substantial amount to the Kochi International Airport Society. The chamber also sponsored the construction of bridge over Perandoor Canal on the busy Sahodaran Ayyappan road in Kochi.
PHILANTHROPIC ACTIVITIES
KCCI is actively involved in meeting society need such as giving financial help to poor patients, distress relief, noon feeding to poor school children, providing tricycles for physically handicapped and also providing amenities in the District Hospital.
KERALA TRADE CENTRE
The chamber has decided to set up an International Trade Centre viz. Kerala Trade Centre on the lines of the World Trade Centres around the World. The concept of World Trade Centre implies bringing together all the agencies connected with export promotion, under one roof, so that a foreign businessman visiting the country will be able to get his transactions done without moving outside the complex. It will consist of Industrial Research and Development Centre, Trade Information and Resource Centre, Shopping Arcades, State-of the Art Telecommunication Facilities, Well Equipped Business Centre, Exhibition Centre, Testing Laboratory, International Convention Centre etc. The Centre will cater to all visitors by providing multi cuisines at food courts. The construction of this prestigious centre at Marine Drive, Kochi will be completed by the end of 2008.
FICCI
The KCCI got affiliated to FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry), New Delhi on 8th December 1970 and hence was able to associate and interact with other Chambers of Commerce functioning in India.
INDIAN COUNCIL OF ARBITRATION, KERALA REGION
The Kerala State Regional Office of the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) functions from our Chamber. The ICA,, approved by the Union Commerce Ministry has an Executive Committee of legal experts and professionals that propagate Alternative Redressal Dispute Mechanism such as mediation, conciliation and arbitration.
Website:www.keralachamber.in
Towards a focused growth plan!
Tourism
A Rs. 13,130 crore turnover industry..
Food Processing
Adding value to richa natural resources...
Infrastructure
Catalyzing a sustained growth...
Making developments easy.
Information Technology
The business of the future is already a way of life here!
Rural Retail
Tapping untapped markets...
Assuring profitable ventures.
Manufaturing Industries
(chamical, Electrical, Electronics & Light Engineering)
Technology that promises intelligent investments.
Media
High value returns...
A fast growing industry.
Financial Services
Making money count.
With value added services.
Education
A state poised to become a global centre of excellence in skill enhancement.
Logistics & Related Industries
An Industry on the move!.
Rubber & Agro based products
Kerala accounts for 90% of the natural rubber production in India.
Coir and related exports touched Rs.634.17 crores during 2008 - '09.
Tourism
A Rs. 13,130 crore turnover industry..