‘Kerala Desks’ planned in Dubai, London, New York, Singapore and Tokyo to attract foreign investment

The Invest Keralam Cell under the Kerala State Industries Development Corporation will provide the “institutional framework, branding, coordination protocol and technical linkage” to the “Kerala Desks”.

In principle, the Government of Kerala has decided to set up ‘Kerala Desks’ in Dubai, London, New York, Singapore and Tokyo to “attract foreign investment and strengthen diaspora-led investment engagement”.

In each of the cities, the offices will be set up on a “cooperative, free model” in collaboration with recognized organizations representing the Keralite diaspora, according to a September 30 order issued by the state industries department.

The proposal was made as part of the 100-day action plan for 2026 of the Congress-led United Democratic Front government. The main objectives of these workplaces include building relationships with non-resident Keralites (NoRKs), entrepreneurs and potential investors originating from Kerala, generating pre-qualified investment leads and referring them to the Invest Keralam Cell under the Kerala State Industries Development Corporation (KSIDC). They are expected to provide market intelligence on industry opportunities and investment trends to help the state develop informed investment promotion strategies.

‘Dissolution of LKS’

Chief Minister VD Satheesan had earlier announced the cabinet’s decision to dissolve the Loka Kerala Sabha (LKS), which was introduced by the previous Left Democratic Front government, and replace it with an “alternative mechanism that benefits expatriate Keralites”. While the Industries department order does not specify “Kerala Desks” as an alternative to LKS, it bills them as “the state’s external investment facilitation arm” abroad.

“The proposal seeks to shift the state’s engagement in the diaspora from a predominantly remittance-based reach to an investment-oriented model by leveraging NoRK’s established business and professional networks in the Persian Gulf, Europe, North America and East Asia,” the Industries department order said.

This proposal will not involve any cost to the state. Each table will be hosted and administratively supported by a recognized NoRK organization on an “honest and voluntary basis of cooperation”, with the Invest Keralam Cell providing only the “institutional framework, branding, coordination protocol and technical connectivity”.

The Director General, KSIDC, was tasked with identifying appropriate NoRK organizations at each location and finalizing the scope, protocol and report structure.

Published – 03 Oct 2026 18:59 IST