Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is on a “decisive and stable” path towards achieving economic standards comparable with the world’s leading middle-income countries, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said while addressing industrialists at the sixth meeting of the CII Southern Regional Council.

The Chief Minister said sustained public investment in education, healthcare, food security, housing, social protection and local self-governance had strengthened Kerala’s human development model and laid the foundation for higher economic growth.

Highlighting Kerala’s startup and investment momentum, Vijayan said more than 7,500 startups had been launched in the past decade. The Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025 attracted investment commitments worth Rs 2 lakh crore, with a significant portion already under implementation. He added that engagements at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos secured commitments of Rs 1.18 lakh crore.

Over the past 10 years, nearly 3,500 acres of industrial parks have been developed, he said, adding that Kerala is emerging as a medical devices manufacturing hub, accounting for 42 per cent of India’s share in the segment.

The Chief Minister also released the CII Handbook on Kerala, outlining the state’s strengths in human development, skilled workforce and sustainability, while identifying growth sectors such as IT-enabled services, biotechnology, renewable energy, wellness and responsible tourism.

Chief Secretary Dr A Jayathilak said opportunities were expanding in the proposed rare earth and defence corridor, and highlighted the strategic role of Vizhinjam International Seaport in boosting trade and logistics. He noted that Kerala was recognised as a Top Achiever in the Fast Movers category under the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) 2024 rankings of the DPIIT, Government of India.

CII Southern Region Chairman Thomas John Muthoot said innovation and knowledge-based industries remained central to Kerala’s growth strategy. Deputy Chairman P Ravichandran cited Cochin International Airport Limited as the world’s first fully solar-powered airport, underscoring the state’s sustainability focus.

CII Kerala Chairman VKC Razak said Kerala’s recognition as a Top Achiever in the national Ease of Doing Business rankings for the second consecutive year reflected the government’s commitment to industrial development.

The meeting saw participation from senior industry leaders across southern India, focusing on accelerating Kerala’s economic transformation through government-industry collaboration.