State lacks physical infrastructure: Tom Jose

KOCHI: Kochi Metro Rail MD Tom Jose has said that Kerala has advanced social infrastructure but it lacks physical infrastructure. He was inaugurating a seminar on ‘Infrastructure- Key to business growth’ organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kochi, and Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah. He said the first phase of Kochi Metro Rail would be completed in four years once the final signal is received.“The state has highly developed and accomplished social infrastructure in many sectors compared to other states. We have progressed well to imbibe the best international practices in sectors like health and education. We somehow lack the determination to accomplish the same sort of comfort levels with regard to physical infrastructure essential to wealth creation. Over the period, the governments have been stressing on the importance of development in areas like highways and bridges. Many projects are still in different stages of implementation for various reasons,” he said.Rashid Al Leem, Director-General, Sharjah Ports, Customs and Sharjah Free Zones mentioned that sustainability is the key to inclusive business growth. He offered special incentives for the members of the  Chamber for investing in the Hamriyah and Sharjah free zones. Prakash James, president, ICCI, presided. Mohamed Basheer of Hamriyah Free Zone, Nishesh Shah, vice-president and S Ramakrishnan, sec, ICCI, spoke.