Hartal-struck foreign investors emerging now

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posted on 12 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Follow us:WhatsappFacebookTwitterTelegram.cls-1{fill:#4d4d4d;}.cls-2{fill:#fff;}Google NewsThe dawn-to-dusk hartal called by the LDF and the BJP on Saturday caught by surprise many delegates of ‘Emerging Kerala’ who stayed back for the weekend.Some admitted the ‘phenomenon’ was new to them, others voiced their concern about investing in a place that grinds to a halt for the flimsiest of reasons.“Strikes of this nature will not only affect business but also society per se as both are inter-related. For overseas investors like us, it will be difficult to execute deals if these kinds of strikes recur.While it is good that the state is improving its infrastructure to facilitate enhanced business environment, these hartals will give a wrong message to foreign investors about destination Kerala,” said Julien Machot, Executive Director, ShadWell’s UK, who was here for the ‘Emerging Kerala’ meet.Senior functionaries of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Kerala Chapter, the official partners of Emerging Kerala, shared Machot’s sentiments.“The state was once notorious for its labour militancy and recurring strikes. On the one hand while we are trying to allay the apprehensions of investors and showcase Kerala as a preferred investment destination, the hartal called a day after the meet once again raises the spectre of the state being unfriendly to investors,” said V K Mathews, chairman, CII-Kerala Chapter.But there was good news for those political parties who called the hartal from at least one quarter. Chelsey Laird of Marine Institute International, Canada, said more than anything else her reaction to the hartal was amazement.“We have scheduled a business meeting today. However, I respect the democratic right of people to strike work. As an international investor, it will certainly be a challenge for some of us to tackle these sort of situations,” she said. “I will say that the hartal was called to dilute the overall effect of ‘Emerging Kerala’.Many delegates who planned visiting tourism hot spots were disappointed,”said Labour Minister Shibu Baby John who expressed the hope that irrespective of such challenges, the younger lot among foreign investors would be ready to invest in Kerala.Of the 162 foreign investors who participated in the event, about 30 who had stayed back had to stay put in hotels.first published:September 16, 2012, 09:45 ISTlast updated:September 16, 2012, 09:45 IST
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The dawn-to-dusk hartal called by the LDF and the BJP on Saturday caught by surprise many delegates of ‘Emerging Kerala’ who stayed back for the weekend.

Some admitted the ‘phenomenon’ was new to them, others voiced their concern about investing in a place that grinds to a halt for the flimsiest of reasons.

“Strikes of this nature will not only affect business but also society per se as both are inter-related. For overseas investors like us, it will be difficult to execute deals if these kinds of strikes recur.

While it is good that the state is improving its infrastructure to facilitate enhanced business environment, these hartals will give a wrong message to foreign investors about destination Kerala,” said Julien Machot, Executive Director, ShadWell’s UK, who was here for the ‘Emerging Kerala’ meet.

Senior functionaries of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Kerala Chapter, the official partners of Emerging Kerala, shared Machot’s sentiments.

“The state was once notorious for its labour militancy and recurring strikes. On the one hand while we are trying to allay the apprehensions of investors and showcase Kerala as a preferred investment destination, the hartal called a day after the meet once again raises the spectre of the state being unfriendly to investors,” said V K Mathews, chairman, CII-Kerala Chapter.

But there was good news for those political parties who called the hartal from at least one quarter. Chelsey Laird of Marine Institute International, Canada, said more than anything else her reaction to the hartal was amazement.

“We have scheduled a business meeting today. However, I respect the democratic right of people to strike work. As an international investor, it will certainly be a challenge for some of us to tackle these sort of situations,” she said. “I will say that the hartal was called to dilute the overall effect of ‘Emerging Kerala’.

Many delegates who planned visiting tourism hot spots were disappointed,”said Labour Minister Shibu Baby John who expressed the hope that irrespective of such challenges, the younger lot among foreign investors would be ready to invest in Kerala.

Of the 162 foreign investors who participated in the event, about 30 who had stayed back had to stay put in hotels.