The Invest Keralam Cell under the Kerala State Industries Development Corporation will provide the “institutional framework, branding, coordination protocol and technical linkage” to the ‘Kerala Desks.’
The Keralam government has decided, in principle, to establish ‘Kerala Desks’ in Dubai, London, New York, Singapore and Tokyo for “attracting foreign investments and strengthening diaspora-led investment engagement.”
In each of the cities, the desks will be established on a “cooperative, no-cost model” in partnership with recognised organisations representing the Keralite diaspora, according to a September 30 State Industries department order.
The proposal has been conceived under the 100-day action plan 2026 of the Congress-led United Democratic Front government. Chief objectives of these desks include building relationships with non-resident Keralite (NoRK) associations, Kerala-origin business persons and prospective investors, generating pre-qualified investment leads and referring them to the Invest Keralam Cell under the Kerala State Industries Development Corporation (KSIDC). They will also be expected to provide market intelligence on sectoral opportunities and investment trends to help the State craft informed investment-promotion strategies.
‘Dissolving LKS’
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had earlier announced the Cabinet decision to dissolve the Loka Kerala Sabha (LKS) introduced by the previous Left Democratic Front government and replace it with an “alternative mechanism that benefits expatriate Keralites.” While Industries department order does not specify the ‘Kerala Desks’ as the alternative to LKS, it bills them as the “State’s outward-facing investment facilitation arm” abroad.
“The proposal seeks to shift the State’s diaspora engagement from a predominantly remittance-based outreach to an investment-oriented model by leveraging established NoRK business and professional networks across the Gulf, Europe, North America and East Asia,” the Industries department order said.
The present proposal will not entail any expense on the State. Each desk will be hosted and administratively supported by a recognised NoRK organisation on “an honorary and voluntary cooperation basis,” with the Invest Keralam Cell providing only the “institutional framework, branding, coordination protocol and technical linkage.”
The Managing Director, KSIDC, has been tasked with identifying suitable NoRK organisations at each location and finalising the scope, protocol and reporting structure of the desks.
Published – October 03, 2026 06:59 pm IST
