Kochi, Sunday 04 April 2010: Kochi had found a place among the major cities in the country in terms of infrastructure facilities, said Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan. The commissioning of the Vallarpadam International Container Transhipment Terminal and the LNG Terminal would ensure a place for Kochi among the world-class cities.

Achuthanandan was speaking after releasing the logo of Lulu Shopping Mall coming up at Edappally by handing it over to T.K.A. Nair, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Chief Minister said Information Technology developments centred on the Kakkanad-based Infopark would convert the city into an IT hub. He said steps were being taken for the implementation of the Metro Rail project. The preparatory groundwork such as widening of road for the project would be launched shortly.

Achuthanandan said the private venture launched on Saturday would give direct employment to 8,000-odd people, besides indirect employment to many more. He, however, said care should be taken to ensure that the project did not adversely affect the prospects of small traders.

VS said the development of the State and that of the Gulf countries, especially the UAE, was interrelated as lakhs of Malayalis were working for the development of West Asia over the years.
Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy, who presided, said the shopping mall was evidence that Kerala could achieve success in any field.

Minister for Home and Tourism Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, who launched the web site of the mall, said the project would add to the phenomenon of shopping tourism. He said backwater tourism in the State was rated high. Union Minister of State for Agriculture K.V. Thomas released the brochure of the shopping mall by handing it over to M.V. Nair, chairman and managing director of the Union Bank of India.