Kerala most ideal state for industries: Finance Minister K N Balagopal

Kochi, Jan 19: Kerala has emerged as one of the most ideal destinations for industries by adapting technological changes in tune with the times, Finance Minister K N Balagopal said while inaugurating the Industrial Mega Summit at the India International Industrial Expo (IIIE) 2026 here.
Addressing over 10,000 members of the Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSIA) from all 14 districts of the State, the Minister said Kerala is witnessing a steady and positive transformation in its industrial culture and entrepreneurial spirit.
He underlined that sustainable industrial growth can be achieved only through continuous modernization of both production processes and products.
Highlighting Kerala’s infrastructure strengths, Balagopal said the State boasts high-quality roads, airports and ports, making it one of the best-connected regions in the country.
He noted that significant improvements in Ease of Doing Business rankings have encouraged investors to return to Kerala to launch new ventures. Well-organised expos and industry meetups, he added, provide valuable insights and exposure for entrepreneurs. The Minister also assured that the government remains firmly committed to ensuring social security measures for industrialists.
The three-day expo was organised by KSSIA and Metro Mart at the Adlux International Convention Centre, Angamaly, with the support of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala, and the Ministry of MSME, Government of India.
During the closing ceremony, organisers announced that the third edition of the India International Industrial Expo will be held in Kochi from January 21 to 23, 2028.
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, delivering the keynote address, stressed the need to refine building regulations in the State to provide greater flexibility and relaxations for MSMEs and the wider business community.
He said the Opposition would welcome a formal proposal from KSSIA on this issue and suggested that it be finalised through direct interactive sessions with industry stakeholders.
Recognised as South India’s largest international industrial exhibition, the expo featured nearly 500 stalls showcasing around 50,000 products. More than 15,000 visitors attended the event over three days.
As part of the KSSIA Social Security Scheme, a cheque for ₹10 lakh was handed over to V.J. Kurian, husband of late entrepreneur Annamma Kurian, who passed away while running her enterprise.
The expo also hosted a media conclave, seminars, panel discussions, buyer–seller meets and vendor development programmes aimed at facilitating global market access for Indian industries.
A Kerala Pavilion by the Department of Industries and Commerce, along with special help desks for machinery manufacturers and banking institutions, was set up. Leading machinery manufacturers from across India and countries including Japan showcased advanced technologies and innovative industrial solutions.
KSSIA State President A. Nizarudeen, G.S. Prakash, Director, Ministry of MSME, Thrissur, K. Ajithkumar, Executive Chairman, BPST, V.K.C. Mammed Koya, former MLA and past KSSIA State President, Vice Admiral (Retd) Sreekumaran Nair, MD, Keltron, Sunilkumar S., GM, Canara Bank, Khalid M., KSSF Chairman, Damodar Avanoor, past KSSIA State President, K.P. Ramachandran Nair, Chairman, IIIE 2026, Siji Nair, MD, Metro Mart, Joseph Paikada, KSSIA General Secretary, B. Jayakrishnan, State Treasurer, and several other KSSIA office-bearers were present during the closing ceremony.