Norway praises Kerala's industrial policy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Martin Amdel Botham, Deputy Head of Mission at the Norwegian Embassy, said that Kerala's industrial policy has a clear vision to make the state a hub for innovative industries by creating a sustainable industrial environment.

Martin Amdel was speaking at the Norwegian Companies Summit organized by the Department of Industry. The summit was organized in continuation of the discussions held by the team led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who visited Norway.

Industries Minister P Rajeev, who presided over the summit, said that Norway is one of Kerala's best trading partners. Trade with Norway and Kerala increased to $20 billion in the last financial year. He also said that in the meetings held in Norway, there was an agreement to hold discussions for better cooperation with Norway in the fields of sustainable development, climate change, energy, agriculture, fisheries and disaster prevention.

Norway Innovation Director Christine Carter said Norwegian companies are eagerly waiting to invest in Kerala. He also pointed out the possibilities of Kerala-Norwegian cooperation in hydrogen, fish production and green maritime.

Representatives of various public sector institutions and companies of the state participated in the summit held at Hyatt Regency. Industries Department Principal Secretary Suman Billa presented the industrial investment opportunities of Kerala. Norwegian Business Association India (NBAI) Chairman B. Shenoy, Industries Department Director S. Harikishore, KSIDC Deputy General Manager Sebastian Thomas and others participated.