KINFRA–KSIDC–BPCL Conclave Highlights Investment Opportunities in Kerala’s Petrochemical Sector
KINFRA, KSIDC and BPCL jointly organised a Conclave on Petrochemical and Allied Sectors on 5th January 2025 at Hotel Lulu Marriott, Kochi, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, experts and potential investors on a common platform. The conclave was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Law and Coir, Shri P. Rajeeve.
The event began with a welcome address by Shri Vishnuraj IAS, Managing Director, KSIDC and Director, District Industries Centre. Shri A. P. M. Mohammed Hanish IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Commerce, made a comprehensive presentation on the petrochemical ecosystem in Kerala and the way forward, highlighting the state’s long-term vision for industrial growth. The keynote address was delivered by Shri Sreeram A. N., Head – BPREP, BPCL.
The conclave featured expert interactions and sectoral insights, including addresses by Shri C. A. Shahul Hameed, Vice President, Kerala Plastic Manufacturers Association, and Dr. K. A. Rajesh, Director & Head, CIPET – Institute of Petrochemicals Technology (IPT). Shri Atul Khanwalker, Head (Petchem Task Force), BPCL, presented the prospects of BPCL’s petrochemical and allied sectors, while a detailed explanation of feedstocks from the upcoming Polypropylene Project at BPCL Kochi and the BINA Refinery in Madhya Pradesh gave participants a clear understanding of raw material availability and supply chain strength.
Shri Santhosh Koshy Thomas, Managing Director, KINFRA, outlined the world-class infrastructure facilities being developed at the KINFRA Petrochemical Park, Kochi and invited the participants to visit the Petrochemical Park. He also highlighted opportunities at the KINFRA Integrated Industrial Park (KIITP) Phase II, Palakkad, where 20 acres have been earmarked for plastic and polymer-based industries, and at the Kochi–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (KBIC) emerging at Palakkad.
A presentation on the Ease of Doing Business environment and Vision 2031 of Kerala was delivered by Shri Varghese Malakaran, General Manager, KSIDC, detailing the progressive policies and reforms that enabled Kerala to achieve the top ranking in Ease of Doing Business consecutively in 2024 and 2025.
The conclave served as an informative and interactive platform for petrochemical aspirants and potential investors, offering valuable insights into policy support, infrastructure readiness and market opportunities. A dedicated question-and-answer session enabled participants to interact directly with the Hon’ble Minister as well as with senior officials and industry experts, making the event highly engaging and investor-friendly.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Jaikishan C. Nath, Chief General Manager (Projects – Polypropylene), BPCL. The conclave is expected to pave the way for significant investments in the petrochemical and allied sectors, catalysing industrial growth, generating employment and triggering an economic boom in the petrochemical sector, thereby strengthening the overall economy of the State.