Kochi, Sep 29: Describing the three-day Kerala Trade and Technology Business Show (KTTBS), which concluded here today, as ”very successful”, State Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem said potential business worth almost Rs 91 crore was generated at it.
Addressing a press conference here this evening, Mr Kareem said while there was a ”firm inquiry” from Shalimar Group, Dubai, for coir pith worth Rs 50 crore, there were other enquiries worth Rs 41 crore for other products. The major enquiries were for food and spices, handlooms and textiles, handicrafts, Ayurveda and herbal products.
The meet, organised by the state government, saw the participation of 212 national and 72 foreign buyers. The international buyers were from the UK, UAE, Thailand, Oman, Poland, Netherlands, USA, Sri Lanka and Belgium. Domestic buyers came from Maharhastra, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat and UP.
Mr Kareem said the Sri Lankan Industrial Development Board offered joint venture exports for oraganic cashew and spices while the Thai Dhonburi University offered ‘business incubation’ services for SME units.
The Kasetsart University of Thailand offered technology for R and D in virgin coconut oil, fruit vinegars and related products. Uravu Wayanad, an NGO, and Alinz Buying House had came to an agreement for procurement of bamboo products. There were also several enquiries for bulk purchase of raw spices, he said.
The meet, in which 113 sellers from Kerala took part, was aimed at creating a platform for the Kerala entrepreneurs to have a direct interaction with the buyers. It also provided them an opportunity to see the latest technological developments showcased by the foreign participants, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, T Balakrishnan said.
Mr Ramachandran of Shalimar Group said his Company was willing to invest Rs ten crore each in setting up ‘rural procurement centres’ in Kannur, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram to source local products for export.
