Thiruvananthapuram: On the opening day of the Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS) 2025, held in Kochi, industry leaders and policymakers emphasised the transformative impact of the Vizhinjam International Seaport. The deep-water, all-weather port, being developed by Adani Ports, is poised to position Kerala as a key global maritime hub.

A panel discussion titled ‘Kerala - A Small World of Big Opportunities’, led by Amitabh Kant, explored the strategic potential of the Vizhinjam project. Kant, a former NITI Aayog chairman and architect of the ‘God’s Own Country’ branding for Kerala, stated that the port’s location and capacity could elevate Kerala’s status to that of Singapore in terms of trade and logistics.

Adani Ports CEO Ashwani Gupta highlighted that 90% of India's trade depends on ports, and Vizhinjam’s strategic positioning near international shipping routes would reduce transit time and costs, providing a competitive advantage in global trade.

KSIDC Chairman C Balagopal pointed out that Kerala’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has doubled every 6-7 years since 2000, reflecting the state’s strong economic foundation. He outlined Kerala’s historical phases of development, from land reforms (1950-70) and workforce productivity (1980-90) to IT sector expansion (1990-2000).

Ashwani Gupta, Whole-Time Director and CEO of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited, who was part of the discussion pointed out that the impact of the upcoming port will be beneficial for the entire country as around 90 per cent of the trade in the country happens through ports.

"With Vizhinjam port strategically placed as it lies close to the international sea route, the business that this port will bring is going to be done at a reduced time and the cost advantage also will be there," said Gupta.

In his address, KSIDC Chairman C. Balagopal said Kerala's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has doubled every 6-7 years since 2000.

"During the period from 1950-70, land reforms created an equitable society and distributed economic power. From 1980-90, the state was able to build a productive workforce and a high human development index. Focus on IT happened during 1990-2000, with the birth of three IT Parks and Kerala Startup Mission, which laid the foundation for a modern economy," added Balagopal.

(IANS input)