Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Government has given in-principle approval to establish ‘Kerala Desks’ in five major global cities — Dubai, London, New York, Singapore and Tokyo — as part of its 100-Day Action Plan 2026, with the objective of attracting foreign investments and strengthening diaspora-led investment engagement.
The decision was issued through G.O.(Rt) No.1167/2026/ID dated September 30, 2026, issued by the Industries Department.
The initiative is based on a detailed proposal submitted by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC). According to the government order, the proposed desks are intended to shift Kerala’s diaspora engagement from a predominantly remittance-based approach towards a more investment-oriented model, making use of established Non-Resident Keralite business and professional networks across different regions of the world.
Five strategic global locations
The first five Kerala Desks will be established in Dubai, London, New York, Singapore and Tokyo.
The desks will focus on building structured and sustained relationships with NRK associations, Kerala-origin business persons, professionals and potential investors in each location.
One of their key functions will be to identify and generate pre-qualified investment leads and refer them to the Invest Keralam Cell under KSIDC. The leads can then be facilitated through the state’s single-window investment mechanism.
The desks will also provide market intelligence relating to sectoral opportunities, investment trends and regulatory developments in their respective jurisdictions. Such information is expected to support Kerala’s investment-promotion strategy.
No financial burden on the state
The government order specifically states that the proposed arrangement is designed to involve no financial burden on the State.
Each Kerala Desk is proposed to be hosted and administratively supported by a recognised NRK organisation already operating in the respective location. The cooperation will be on an honorary and voluntary basis.
The Invest Keralam Cell within KSIDC will provide the institutional framework, branding, coordination protocol and technical linkage. The model therefore seeks to make use of existing diaspora organisations and community networks rather than establishing a separate costly overseas administrative structure.
KSIDC tasked with implementation
The Managing Director of KSIDC has been directed to identify suitable NRK organisations in the five locations and formalise cooperation arrangements with them.
KSIDC will also finalise the scope of activities, protocols and reporting structures of the Kerala Desks and integrate their investment-lead referral mechanism with the Invest Keralam Cell.
The government order was issued by the Industries Department under the 100-Day Action Plan 2026, with the broader objective of using Kerala’s global diaspora networks to facilitate foreign investment into the state.
