Kochi will host a two-day meeting of the Malayali diaspora and entrepreneurs from December 23-24 which is likely to see more than 500 prospective domestic and overseas investors. While interacting with the media T.K. Manzoor, nodal officer of the event informed that Malayalis from 42 countries and 13 states in the country have registered for the upcoming event. He also added that most of the prospective investors hail from UAE.

 

According to state tourism minister Kodiyeri Balakrisnan the screening committee has picked up 60 tourism-related business proposals submitted by the residents of the Kerala for showcasing them in the two-day meet. The committee has received about 189 proposals. The proposals include home stays, service apartments and similar tourism ventures. Talking about the event, tourism secretary V. Venu stated that during the event various financial institutions including state government agencies will be present for prospective investors in case of any funding.

 

The two-day tourism meet called 'Entee Naadu' is being jointly organized by the state tourism and industry departments. Of the two million Malayali people settled abroad, 90 per cent work in the Middle East. The tourism meet will be inaugurated by Kerala chief minister V.S. Achuthanandan. Minister for overseas Indian affairs Vayalar Ravi is also likely to be present at the inaugural ceremony.