Kerala is hugely indebted to the Non-Resident Keralites for their contribution to the allround development of the state, said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy here Thursday.
Chandy said this while addressing the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas audience here.
"According to latest reports, the foreign remittance to Kerala has exceeded Rs.75,000 crore. They not only fetch money but also share their ideas and inspire us to think in a world class manner," said Chandy.
He emphasised that he would like to remind the gathering a very important and pertinent point.
"You are the ambassadors and flag carries of our country and our culture. Your honesty, law abiding and hard working nature have made lasting impression about our countrymen among other nations."
"As this Pravasi Bharatiya Divas rightly propagates, you are the 'Bridges of the World'. I know that, across the years you have been holding close to your hearts our culture, language, emotions and sentiments. I appeal to pass over it to the next generations too. Our value-based culture will keep your head held high anywhere and everywhere," said Chandy, praising the diaspora.
He also said that long before globalisation, Kerala was connected to the rest of the world. This continues till date and millions of Malayalees are living abroad, sustaining our economy.
Chandy also pointed out that despite the state leading in numerous indices like basic health care, education and literacy to name a few, this is not enough.
"We need to provide quality higher education and world class health care to everyone. This goal is to be achieved with public private partnership and we are willing to adopt policy that helps investment in this sector. We want to build better infrastructure to take care of energy and transportation needs of the state," Chandy said.
"We have undertaken several policy measures and incentives for attracting investors into the state. The public private partnership route would offer attractive opportunities in Kerala for prospective investors and financiers and we welcome you in a wide range of activities. The global economy is at a stage of profound transformation. I invite you to join us in our socio-economic transformation as partners in progress," Chandy said.
