Sampadyam Business Summit: Kerala a potential business hub, ease of doing business is key, say industry leaders
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Kochi: Kerala has the requisite infrastructure, skilled labour, and a conducive environment to become a thriving business hub, said T S Kalyanaraman, Managing Director of Kalyan Jewellers.
Inaugurating the fourth edition of the Malayala Manorama Sampadyam Kerala Business Summit 2026 in Kochi, held under the theme ‘Navigating the New Economy’, he urged stakeholders to discard the outdated narrative that Kerala is merely a consumer-driven trading centre reliant on expatriates.
“Compared to other states, what does Kerala lack? In reality, Kerala must be transformed into a business hub. If we all make an effort, it will happen,” Kalyanaraman said.
He noted that successive governments have set up industrial centres and land through KINFRA, and the Centre has allocated 1,000 to 1,500 acres across three districts for industries. Countering the perception that labour strikes deter enterprise, he said, “No strike will happen here. No other state has such skilled labourers as Kerala has. Once legally mandated wages and salaries are paid, they will work with dignity.”
On financial prudence and business ethics, Kalyanaraman said even though all banks were standing ready to provide loans, one should start one's own business only if one has 25 to 30 per cent of own capital.
Stressing that shortcuts to wealth harm long-term viability, he added, “If you do business honestly, any business will succeed. Less margin, more turnover will fetch more profit. We just need to follow this system told to us by our elders,” he said.
Pointing to emerging opportunities, he stated that despite widespread scepticism, the IT sector was thriving globally through AI-driven ventures like digital marketing and online tutoring operating out of micro-offices. He also highlighted green energy and said, “No matter how many solar plants we set up, from small levels to large levels, we can utilise all of them. Why promote Chinese products that break easily when we can manufacture EV charging gear and components ourselves?”
He further cited immense scope in wellness and Ayurvedic supply chains - from medicines to bottles and caps, food processing for seasonal jackfruit and mango, and the Vizhinjam Port. “Within five to six years, Vizhinjam Port will turn into India’s number one port according to analysts, unlocking massive warehousing, logistics, and exim trade,” he added.
Delivering the valedictory address, Mathew Muthoot, Managing Director of Muthoot MCred, underscored that economic resurgence hinges on enabling grassroots enterprise and integrating technology.
“Economic development comes from the small and micro activities that happen in the market. Technology and AI can absolutely enhance MSME players navigating data today,” Mathew Muthoot said.
Addressing the potential of Vizhinjam Port, he said studies projecting it as a global hub represent a “probability” that requires systemic reform to become reality.
“To turn probability into reality, we have to change the way we treat businesses. It is about ease of doing business at the end of it,” he said. “The government and regulations shouldn’t be a hurdle; they should be an enabler. Entrepreneurs should not feel compelled to migrate to other states or abroad because of early stage friction.”
He concluded by stressing global competitiveness. “Whatever product you bring, envision competing with a product made in Japan, Korea, or Europe. For any economy to develop, new business ventures must come forward, and small game-changing ideas will change the world,” he said.
The inaugural session also saw the participation of Manoj Ravi, CEO, Supra Pacific Financial Services; Sherin Davis, MD, Homes Equities; Varghese Chandy, Vice President – Marketing, Malayala Manorama; and S Rajashree, Editor-in-Charge, Sampadyam.
