The ongoing global tariff disruptions, triggered largely by the United States’ trade actions, may well hold opportunities for Kerala. Participants at the third edition of Japan Mela, organised by the Indo-Japan Chamber of Commerce Kerala Chapter (INJACK), said the State could profitably partner with Japan across several high-potential sectors — from lithium titanate oxide (LTO) batteries and yen-denominated financing to tourism, health and wellness.
“Every disruption carries an opportunity within it, and we should capitalise on it,” observed K R Jyothilal, additional chief secretary, Government of Kerala.
“The Trump tariffs are creating major business turmoil, and Kerala should find new avenues while tackling it. Marine products, spices and textiles remain core to our export basket — we must view Japan as an alternative market for these.”
Jyothilal pointed out that Kerala’s rare-earth deposits could feed the fast-growing LTO battery industry and even justify a critical-minerals corridor. “The State already plans to deploy LTO batteries in buses, which will be cheaper than diesel,” he added, noting that Kerala is also the first Indian State to actively pursue an AI-driven governance model.
Viju Jacob, president of INJACK and executive chairman of Synthite Industries, said the Japan Mela aimed to identify collaborative opportunities in tourism, wellness, maritime, infrastructure, spices and allied products, artificial intelligence, robotics, IT and start-ups. “India and Japan share technological synergy and the same aspiration for a sustainable world,” he said.
Dr K Ellangovan, vice-president of INJACK and managing director of INKEL Ltd, noted that the quality of tourists visiting Kerala had been improving steadily and that Japan offered immense scope for partnerships in premium, health-focused travel.
The event was attended by Takahashi Muneo, Consul General of Japan; Choemon Tanabe, chairman of the Japan Economic Council; Jeevan Sudhakaran, secretary of INJACK; and S Ratnakumar, co-ordinator of the Japan Mela Souvenir.
Panel discussions explored opportunities in tourism and wellness, IT and AI, maritime infrastructure, and spices and allied sectors, underscoring Kerala’s potential to align with Japan amid the global realignment of trade and technology.
