THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pointed out the golden avenues ahead for the development of the state at the "Emerging Bharat, Growing Kerala" business conclave organized by Kerala Kaumudi.

Kerala is on the top of precious gem mines. If it is taken advantage of, Kerala will be able to move forward along with India, which is growing as a major economic power. The central government will stand by it. She was speaking after inaugurating the conclave.

She pointed out ten gems including information technology and space projects, international port-shipyard projects, aviation service sectors, blue economy and medical tourism. Vizhinjam port will change the face of Kerala. Center-state relations should progress through cooperation. The centre is governed by a government suitable for this. Take advantage of opportunities. Here they are trying to drive away the businessman who comes to do good and that is not right, said Nirmala Sitharaman.

Union Minister V Muraleedharan presided over the conclave held at Hyatt Regency Hotel. He said that the Center has spent 9 lakh crore rupees in infrastructure in Kerala in nine years.

Although the country is on a growth spurt, it is still ranked 120th in the sustainable development index. P. Santosh Kumar MP wished that this deficiency could be resolved. Deepuravi, chief editor of Kerala Kaumudi, who delivered the introductory speech, said that collective effort is necessary to ensure the development of Kerala as the country moves forward.

Nirmala Sitharaman honoured Muthoot Finance Chairman George Jacob Muthoot, Urban Grameen Society Founder Managing Partner Ajit Palat, Supra Pacific CMD Joby George, DBFS Directors Prof. Jose T Pampackal, Samuel, GITD MD Sreekumar and Adi Group of Institutions Chief Operating Officer Darshana Indirabai.

The Union Finance Minister released the cover of the book "Kuthippinte Karuthil Keralam", an economic development annual edition prepared by Kerala Kaumudi. Aranmula Kannadi, a gift of Kerala Kaumudi, was presented by Chief Editor Deepuravi. Associate Editor VS Rajesh gave the vote of thanks.

Shashi Tharoor MP inaugurated the concluding session. Former Planning Board Member G Vijayaraghavan, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Principal Secretary TKA Nair, State Planning Board Member Dr Raviraman and others spoke.