Watch: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurates Kerala Week celebrations at India Pavilion in Expo 2020 Dubai

Dubai: Week-long celebrations of the south Indian state of Kerala at Expo 2020 Dubai began today with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan officially opening Kerala Week at India Pavilion in the presence of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.

Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade and the guest of honour, lauded the UAE’s strategic relationship with India and warm ties with Kerala in particular. He also promised to the chief minister that there will be more investment in Kerala from the UAE.

‘Social bonds’

“Kerala and the UAE have worked towards growing a concrete relationship. We look forward to strengthening not only our business and economy, but also our social bonds. I will continue exploring and communicating with your team and ministers to ensure that the best comes to you,” Al Zeyoudi said, while referring to the investment opportunities that the two sides have discussed during Vijayan’s week-long visit to the UAE.

In his address, Vijayan said Kerala, known for its social development, is now emerging as an important destination for investments and he was happy to showcase the state at Expo 2020 Dubai.

‘Expo will enrich us’

Terming Expo 2020 Dubai as an excellent catalyst for industrial innovation, Vijayan said it was also a shining example of hope, determination and resilience. “It is undoubtedly the largest event in the world highlighting technologies and products and people with country-specific peculiarities. I am sure that the Expo will enrich us with ideas and avenues that will go a long way in strengthening our ties and in cementing the future of our regions.”

Vijayan further said: “Over the years, Dubai has transformed into one of the most inspirational and successful communities of international repute. It has emerged as the cosmopolitan hub of the world — thanks to the far-sighted vision and policies of the Rulers of the emirates as well as the strategies for economic growth that transcend barriers of any nature.”

‘Further strengthening friendly relations’

He said the UAE is an important partner of India and it is the second home of 1.2 million Malayali expatriates from Kerala. “The Malayali community in the UAE has played a significant role in nurturing and further strengthening the friendly relations between the two regions.” He said they have been the backbone of many key projects implemented by the UAE, which in turn has provided them a good life and cared for them during their expatriate life. “They have also helped in strengthening Kerala’s economy. Our economic and cultural links and people-to-people ties are deep-rooted and marked by resilience and vibrancy.”

Later, addressing a large crowd of Malayali expats at the Jubilee Stage, Vijayan said Kerala and the UAE are very close and share heart-to-heart relations. He urged the Malayali community to continue to be pillars in bringing India and the UAE closer.

‘UAE keeps the world connected’

Sunjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, noted that Vijayan was the first Indian dignitary to speak at the massive Jubilee Stage at Expo 2020 Dubai. Speaking at India Pavilion earlier, Sudhir said: “In today’s otherwise distressed scenario, the UAE stands out as a very bright spot. This country just rises up to the occasion and shows to the world how this whole situation is to be dealt with. It shows that grit, that commitment and is some kind of a role model for the rest of us. When connectivity was broken down, some of the wonderful airlines of this country went on keeping the world connected. So this country, by all means, has taken a lead and I think it’s very important for Indian states, particularly Kerala, to connect with this growth engine — whether it is for innovation, startups, investments or anything else. It is the right time to do that.”

Kerala single-window interface

Highlighting Kerala’s success in various sectors and its flagship projects at the opening ceremony earlier, the chief minister said the state was all set to achieve the next wave of economic development through investments. He said the government was committed to improve the ease of doing business in the state by a number of initiatives, including the simplification of procedures, enabling digital engagement channels such as Kerala single-window interface for fast and transparent transactions.

Host of dignitaries

Reem Al Hashimi, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Managing Director of Expo 2020 Dubai, and Malayalam mega star Mammootty were also present on the Jubilee Stage event, which was followed by cultural performances by artistes from Kerala.

P. Rajeev, Kerala Minister for Law, Industries and Coir, A.P. Mohammed Hanish, principal secretary, Kerala Department of Industries and Commerce, MA Yusuff Ali, chairman, Lulu Group and vice-chairman, Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department (Norka-Roots), MG Rajamanickam, managing director of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation, and S Harikishore, director of Industries and Commerce, also spoke at the opening ceremony of Kerala Week.