: The Phase 1 of SmartCity Kochi, including a 0.65 m sq. ft. IT tower, was inaugurated today in a spectacular function attended by dignitaries from UAE and Kerala. The Phase 2 was also launched simultaneously. Kerala's dream project was dedicated to the nation jointly by Oommen Chandy, Hon'ble Chief Minister; H. E. Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, UAE and Chairman of Dubai Holding; Rajiv Prathap Rudy, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; H. E. Ahmad Bin Byat, Vice Chairman and MD, Dubai Holding; P. K. Kunhalikutty, Hon'ble Minister for Industries & IT and Chairman, SmartCity Kochi; Dr Ahmed Al Banna, UAE Ambassador to India; M. A. Yousouf Ali, Special Invitee to the Board of SmartCity and Jaber Bin Hafez, Vice Chairman, SmartCity Kochi.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the days of sending the youths of Kerala away abroad and to other parts of the country in search of job is over. Now the world will come to Kerala, he said amidst applause from the audience. "We can't ask our youth to go somewhere and earn a living anymore. We have to use their skills in the development of this state," he said.
"SmartCity Kochi is not just an IT project; it's a symbol of the traditional relationship between the UAE and Kerala. On its full completion, SmartCity Kochi would be the largest IT hub in the country," the Chief Minister said. He further said the SmartCity Kochi is a project that instills confidence for the future endeavours of Kerala.
Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, UAE and Chairman of Dubai Holding said, SmartCity Kochi was a milestone project for UAE and Dubai Holdings. It is a great leap in the relationship between Kerala and the UAE. Development in the IT sector would enhance the development in the healthcare, education and the overall sectors, he said.
Rajiv Prathap Rudy, Union Minister, said with the commissioning of the SmartCity, Kerala which has been the skill capital for the world would now excel in the IT sector as well. P. K. Kunhalikutty, M. A. Yousouf Ali and Dr. Baju George, Interim CEO and Board Member, SmartCity Kochi also spoke on the occasion.
The co-developers whose projects are to come up in the Phase 2 were honored by Oommen Chandy and Mohammed Al Gergawi. C.N. Radhakrishnan, Senior Executive Director, GEMS Education; C.C. Thampy, Chairman, Holiday Group; Mohammed Sharoon, MD, Sands Infrabuild; Thankachan Thomas, Sr. Vice President - Kerala, Prestige Group; M.K. Marattukalam, Chairman, Maratt Group; B.R. Ajith, Chairman, Elton Technologies received the mementos.
A dance performance by cine actor Lakshmi Gopalaswamy and team added pomp to the event. Ministers V.K. Ebrahimkunju, K. Babu, Abdul Latif Al Mulla, Group CEO of Dubai Properties Group and former Vice Chairman, SCK; K.V. Thomas, MP; Jiji Thomson, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Kerala; P.H. Kurien, Principal Secretary, IT, Govt. of Kerala among others attended the function.
SmartCity Kochi and SmartCity Malta forms part of a network of interconnected business communities across the world. These communities are developed and managed by SmartCity®, the international investment arm of Dubai Holding, which seeks to internationally expand the astounding success of integrated communities and social infrastructure attained in Dubai.