Thiruvananthapuram: Govt has decided to establish Kerala Desks in five major global cities — Dubai, London, New York, Singapore and Tokyo — to attract foreign investments and strengthen investment engagement with the diaspora.The initiative is part of state govt’s 100-day action plan and seeks to shift Keralam’s engagement with non-resident Keralites (NRKs) from a predominantly remittance-focused approach to an investment-oriented model.According to a govt order issued by the industries department, Kerala Desks will serve as the state’s investment facilitation arm in the five locations. They will work with NRK associations, Keralam-origin businesspersons and prospective investors to identify investment opportunities and generate pre-qualified leads.The investment leads will be referred to Invest Keralam Cell of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) for further facilitation through its single-window mechanism.The desks will also provide market intelligence on sector-specific opportunities, investment trends and regulatory developments in their respective jurisdictions. The information is expected to help the state fine-tune its investment promotion strategies.Govt said the initiative would not impose any financial burden on the state. Each Keralam Desk will be hosted and administratively supported by a recognised NRK organisation in the respective location on an honorary and voluntary basis.Invest Keralam Cell will provide the institutional framework, branding, coordination mechanism and technical linkage for the initiative.The govt order said the desks would be established through a cooperative, no-cost partnership with suitable NRK organisations, leveraging existing diaspora networks and community institutions.KSIDC managing director has been directed to identify suitable NRK organisations in the five locations and formalise cooperation arrangements. KSIDC will also finalise the scope, operational protocol and reporting structure of the desks and integrate their investment lead-referral mechanism with Invest Keralam Cell.
