Kochi: The Global Investors’ Meet (GIM), scheduled for 18 and 19 of January 2003 at the International Convention Centre, Kochi, will be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister A B Vajpayee.

According to the organisers, Kerala will witness the convergence of global businessmen in Kochi, the commercial capital of the state, thanks to GIM. The major thrust areas of the meet will be information technology, tourism and Kerala’s investment opportunities.

With accolades pouring in from the international tourism media, the unique tourist attractions of the state will call for investments in the travel and hospitality sector. Besides, Kerala’s inherent advantages like being the largest producer of rubber, coconuts, cashew and spices along with its long coastline and wealth of seafood have opened up myriad opportunities in the agro and food-processing sector.

Being the only state with twin submarine cable landings, 100-per cent digital exchanges, India’s largest pool of skilled manpower, lowest operational costs and a landmark IT policy, it is only natural that IT is also fast evolving as one of the core strengths, says a GIM official.

“With a rich biodiversity matching Amazonian rainforests and unique ecosystems harbouring rare species, its no wonder that Kerala is luring entrepreneurs into the biotechnology sector, not to mention the social and economic developments in the state that throw open profitable opportunities in the infrastructure sector. Another area of focus is the social infrastructure sector which will encompass health, education and entertainment,” the official adds.

Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation, the premier agency for promoting industries and bringing in investments, has been appointed the nodal agency for the conduct of GIM. International consulting agency PricewaterhouseCoopers, which has been appointed the consultants for the meet, has identified specific projects and is evolving a basket of select investment opportunities across all sectors for showcasing during GIM.

Various road shows have been held in the US, Germany and China, and these countries have shown much in investing in Kerala. More road shows are being planned in the Middle East and South East Asia.