The two-day Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025 wound down on Saturday evening with investment offers worth around Rs. 1.53 crore on hand and proving to a sceptical investment world that Kerala is investment-worthy.
Terming the success of the summit as a major boost to Kerala's economic outlook, Industries Minister P. Rajeeve said the event was a new beginning of a united Kerala and reiterated the state's commitment to fostering a favourable investment climate.
“Some 374 companies are keen in doing business in Kerala and submitted expressions of interest that will bring about a consolidated investment of Rs 1,52,905.67 crores," he said. Twentyfour IT companies had expressed interest in expanding operations in Keala, bringing an additional investment of nearly Rs 8,500 crore and generating 60,000 more job opportunities, Rajeeve noted in his valedictory speech.
Those companies which made major investment offers included Karan Adani, who has pledged Rs 30,000 crore, followed by HiLITE Group with Rs 10,000 crore. Entities like Lulu Group, Monarch Surveyors and Engineering Consultants Ltd, Sharaf Group of UAE, and Tofl Pathanamthitta Infra Ltd, have committed Rs 5,000 crore each. Sri Avantika International Ltd has pledged Rs 4,300 crore, Cherri Holdings Rs 4,000 crore, NRG Corporations Pvt Ltd Rs 3,600 crore, and Prestige Rs 3,000 crore.
Rajeeve said the government will establish a fast-track mechanism for the swift realisation of these investments. This will include a dashboard-based online system, a dedicated toll-free number for investors, and periodic reviews by a committee chaired by the chief secretary. He also said the Invest Kerala Global Summit will be held in the state every three years.
“We’re focusing on realistic EoIs. We’ll establish a fast-track mechanism for each and every EoI signed at the summit. We’ll start working on these proposals from tomorrow itself. We’ll classify them based on when they can be started – six months, one year, two years, etc." He added: "We want to assure the community that there is a specific structured mechanism for the proper, professional follow-up of each and every EoI.”
Noting that the summit saw more than 5,000 delegates, Rajeeve pointed out that the remarkable response underscores the confidence investors have in Kerala’s progressive industrial ecosystem, strategic infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies.
Union Minister George Kurian praised Kerala’s example of cooperative federalism, citing the timely completion of projects like the Kudankulam power highway and Vizhinjam port after Central sanctions were granted. He also announced establishment of an integrated aqua park in the state.
Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal said that Kerala’s investment climate has improved, with people investing due to their faith in the state’s basic facilities and policy stability. “People are investing in Kerala as there is a belief in the basic facilities provided here. There is stability in the state government’s policies,” he said.
The former industries minister and IUML leader, P K Kunhalikutty, said the Opposition parties in Kerala would support all development projects and that political differences won’t hinder investments.
The Adani Group has unveiled plans to invest Rs. 30,000 crore in Kerala over the next five years, including an additional Rs. 20,000 crore investment in Vizhinjam Port. The announcement was made by Karan Adani, managing director of Adani Ports and SEZ Limited (APSEZ), at the opening session of the Invest Kerala summit.
Highlighting Vizhinjam Port’s strategic importance in global trade, Adani noted that the Adani Group, which took charge of the project in 2015, has already invested Rs. 5,000 crore, with plans to invest an additional Rs. 20,000 crore. “Vizhinjam is strategically located along the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Even before commissioning, the port made history by docking the largest container vessel to ever touch Indian shores, with a capacity of 24,000 containers,” he said.
Two UAE-based multinational companies-- Lulu Group and Sharaf Group-- plan to invest Rs 5,000 crore each in various sectors. Lulu Group will focus its investment on food processing, retail, IT infrastructure, and fintech. Lulu Group's chairman, M.A. Ashraf Ali, revealed plans to establish a large-scale food processing and export unit on 20 acres at Kalamassery. The facility will include a refrigeration system for transporting agricultural produce from Kerala and Tamil Nadu to Lulu's global retail network.
The group is also investing in IT infrastructure and fintech as part of the state’s proposed Global City project. A twin IT building complex at Kakkanad is set to commence operations soon.
In the retail sector, Lulu will launch new outlets in Perinthalmanna, Tirur, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The company's new ventures are expected to generate 15,000 jobs, with the IT towers capable of accommodating 25,000 employees.
Similarly, Dubai-based Sharaf Group has submitted a letter of interest to the Kerala government, confirming its Rs 5,000 crore investment to develop business hubs in two key locations within the state. Sharaf Group's vice-chairman, Sharafuddin Sharaf, made the announcement at the summit.
Tata Enterprises' subsidiary Artson Engineering has partnered with Malabar Cements, a Kerala government-run cement factory, to establish a vessel manufacturing facility in Kochi. The project, set to produce ships weighing less than 100 tonnes, will be developed on seven acres leased by Malabar Cements at Kochi Port Trust.
Shashank Jha, CEO of Artson Engineering, highlighted the profitability of the shipbuilding sector, emphasising the high returns on investment. He pointed to the Gati Shakti project, which aims to expand inland waterway transport, as a catalyst for increasing demand for small vessels. The upcoming shipbuilding centre is anticipated to create over 300 jobs.
A consortium of real estate businesses has announced plans to develop a 300-acre city complex adjacent to the proposed GIFT City in Ayyampuzha, near the Cochin airport. Initial discussions with landowners have been fruitful, and a letter of interest has been submitted to the government. The project is expected to attract an investment of Rs 5,000 crore.
The investment announcements at the summit underscore Kerala’s growing appeal as an investment destination, with major players committing to infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology-driven projects aimed at job creation and economic development.
