Industries Minister P.Rajeeve’s reply in the Assembly on Wednesday on the Kerala delegation’s achievements at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week led to a debate with Indian Union Muslim League MLA and former Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty on the investment climate in the State. Responding to questions, Mr.Rajeeve said that the State signed Expression of Interests (EOIs) worth ₹1.18 lakh crore at Davos.
The Kerala delegation held face-to-face discussions with representatives of 67 companies, out of which 27 companies from a variety of sectors have signed EoIs.
“Last year, our attempt in Davos was to make Kerala more visible and to convey its potential as an investment destination. Going by the experiences last year, we set up a special pavilion this year in addition to the stall at the India Pavilion, which paid rich dividends. Over the last ten years, our focus has been on overcoming the stunting in basic infrastructure. The changes we are witnessing now reflect the fact that the State has been successful in that respect,” said Mr.Rajeeve.
Mr.Kunhalikutty said that the Minister should not make it seem as if such changes are happening for the first time in the past ten years.
“During our tenure, the State’s delegation had gone similarly to Davos and secured investment proposals. However, in the past ten years the one thing that has changed is the attitude of the LDF, which used to dismiss such proposals as wasteful expenditure. We will not do the same. If we come to power, we will continue the proposals if they are found to be worthy. The LDF has not managed to bring a mega project in the past ten years,” he said.
Claiming that Mr.Kunhalikutty’s assertions are far from the truth, Mr.Rajeeve said that he should also explain as to why the MoUs signed in the past never became a reality.
“V.S.Achuthanandan had offered all support to the UDF government’s developmental efforts and also participated in the Global Investor’s Meet organised by the government. During that summit, there was no unity within the UDF ministry, with the green MLAs as well as the then Revenue Minister opposing it. Whenever the UDF has been in power, the infighting in the front had scuttled the State’s development. Even now, the UDF is against the State government’s K-Rail proposal, but is receptive to a similar proposal from the BJP-led Union government,” he said.
Published – January 29, 2026 12:21 am IST
