Invest Kerala Summit: Adani Group, UAE-Based Firms Set to Invest; Total Pledge of Rs 1.53 Lakh Crore

Kerala has attracted investment proposals worth Rs1.52 lakh crore from more than 370 companies as the Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS 2025) concluded, state Industries Minister P Rajeeve announced at the end of the event. The summit, held in Kochi, reaffirmed the state’s ambition to be India’s top business-friendly destination. Kerala has emerged as the leader in the country in ‘Ease of Doing Business Reforms’ as per the recent ranking of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industries. 

Addressing the valedictory session, Rajeeve noted that firms expressed interest in establishing, expanding, diversifying, and reinvesting in Kerala. The technology sector emerged as a key focus, with 24 IT firms committing nearly Rs8,500 crore, expected to generate 60,000 additional jobs. Additionally, 66 companies submitted investment proposals exceeding Rs 500 crore. 

Rajeeve assured that the Invest Kerala Global Summit will be conducted triennially. “Close on the heels of the discussion with UAE Minister of Economy, the next edition of Investopia Summit of the UAE government that brings together the global investor community will be conducted in Kerala in 2026 July,” he added. 

Rajeeve described the summit as a “new beginning,” emphasizing its role in strengthening investor confidence in Kerala’s economic potential. He also announced the establishment of a fast-track mechanism to process and monitor these proposals, with implementation commencing immediately. A dedicated dashboard will facilitate tracking and execution. 

Among the major announcements, Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd pledged a substantial Rs 30 thousand crore investment over the next five years, focusing on port development, airport expansion, and logistics infrastructure.  

UAE-based multinational giants, Lulu Group and Sharaf Group also unveiled investment plans at the summit. Lulu Group will invest Rs 5,000 crore into food processing, retail, IT infrastructure, and fintech, strengthening its presence in the state. Meanwhile, Dubai-headquartered Sharaf Group is set to invest an equal amount to develop logistics hubs in two key Kerala locations. 

In another significant move, Tata Enterprises' Artson Engineering and Malabar Cements, a state-run public sector undertaking, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a manufacturing facility in Kochi. The project will focus on producing vessels under 100 tonnes, reviving long-stalled development plans at a seven-acre site leased by Malabar Cements at the Kochi Port Trust. 

Shashank Jha, CEO of Artson Engineering, pointed out that shipbuilding is the most promising and profitable sector in the country today. “If you invest one rupee, you will get eight rupees back,” he said.