With its SEZ mired in controversies, thanks to the ideological differences within the CPI(M) state unit, the Kerala Government seems to be looking for an ideologically least problematic route to attract investments — tie-ups with China and Cuba.

The Kerala Government is on the way to sign a series of MoUs with Chinese and Cuban Governments for products ranging from cashew, ceramics, scanning technology, tourism, pharmaceuticals and healthcare industry. Moreover, China is also planning to set up a sub-office of the Indo-China Economic and Cultural Council in Kerala.

It is understood that Kerala Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Labour Minister P K Gurudasan and Industries Minister Elamarom Kareem are planning to go to China in the coming months while Health Minister P K Sreemathi Teacher will be heading for Cuba shortly to “undertstand the world class public healthcare facilities in Cuba.”

“You can either call it Communist camaraderie sans borders or plain business tie-ups. Either way, the state is going to benefit a lot from these tie-ups,” said a Kerala Cabinet minister. According to him, the Chinese ambassador to India, Zhang Yan's visit to the state last month helped a lot in exploring the possibilities for cooperation. “His visit has helped both of us to have an idea about each other's development priorities and objectives. Moreover, being Communist countries, China and Cuba will be able to understand our peculiar situation better,” said the minister.

Kerala Industries Secretary P H Kurien said the state was trying out all the possibilities to have a better business understanding with China. “The Chinese ambassador had promised to send us a list of companies willing to have business with the state. We are seriously following it up,” he said.

... contd.