If a small district in Kerala can do it, others in the country can also attract record investments from Indian expatriates. But there must be political will and ideas as the Kannur district panchayat has shown. What’s remarkable is that it happened in just two days. Here are the figures that will make expats from the region smile. The Kannur ‘NRI Summit’ attracted investments totalling Rs2,128 crores. Over 200 NRI investors and businesspersons turned up for the two-day summit held on October 30 and 31 at the E. K. Nayanar Academy in Kannur.

The aim of the summit was to garner investments for startups in the district. The district panchayat had earlier conducted a study to identify the investment potential of the region.

Under the plan, NRI investors will contribute to various sectors, and sessions were organised to familiarise the participants on the modalities of investment. While trade and agriculture were the focus on the first day, the second day saw discussions and presentations on tourism, education and the hospitality sector.

New investments include a Rs200 crore proposal from Aroma group of companies to construct a five-star hotel at Echur; a multi-speciality hospital worth Rs200 crore by the Koothuparam co-operative hospital; another five-star hotel at Kannur by Sreerosh Builders; and a hill destination wedding centre worth Rs80 crore at Muttannur by Anamika Architects.

Proposals worth Rs724 crores were made towards the tourism, education and hospitality segments by NRI businessmen and groups, and the Pravasi Global Industrial Park expressed interest in setting up a Pravasi (expat) township in 100 acres in Kannur. “Kannur district has infinite development and investment potential in the tourism sector, and the investors’ meet should utilise it,” Kerala’s Minister of Tourism P..A. Mohamed Riyas said.

The willingness of private landowners to hand over 340 acres for various tourism projects came as a boost to the sector. Kannur’s appeal can be attributed to its geographical location which include scenic coastlines, mangroves, backwaters, and mountains. Its traditional art forms like Theyyam, handloom, and handicrafts, along with the rich cultural heritage sets the district apart.

District Panchayat President PP Divya said these investments will help in the development of Kannur and Kerala as a whole.