KOZHIKODE: In the last couple of years, many diplomatic delegations headed by higher officials have visited Kozhikode seeking business opportunities. In the last few days itself, two major European business powers- Belgium and the United Kingdom have sent their team to Malabar to explore business opportunities in the region. Other than official delegations, teams from private companies are also visiting Kozhikode frequently, exploring co-operation in various fields. While visits are regular, follow-ups of such visits are not consistent, which raises concern about the success of such efforts.
“Malabar region has huge potential which is yet to be explored and each European country has something different to offer for the region. That could be the reason, more European delegations are visiting the City seeking business opportunities,” said Trade and Investment Commissioner of Flanders Jayant Nadiger who visited Kozhikode recently. Malabar Chamber of Commerce president P.V Nidheesh said that the limitless scope in Malabar was grabbing the attention of countries across the world. “Malabar is one of the top markets in South India, but due to many factors like lack of proper timings of airlines, we have not grown much,” he said.
“The British envoy who visited the other day has expressed willingness to bring some of the top educational institutions in UK to Malabar to identify top students. Similarly in many fields we can really tap the potential of Malabar and Kozhikode in particular. Only thing we required is a proper facilitating system here,” he added. Mr Nidheesh said that proper follow up of such visits was not just the duty of government or similar agencies. “The stakeholders should show more interest. Even if not all visits help all, some visits would help some people,” he added. Kozhikode Mayor Thottahil Raveendran said that the civic body was always open to co-operation in fields which were suitable for the development of the City. “Recently a Spanish delegation visited me offering help in waste management. I have asked them to submit a detailed project and if feasible we can take it up,” he added.
