Kerala and Tamil Nadu to Join Hands for Landmark Industrial Cooperation

Chennai: Kerala and Tamil Nadu have announced a landmark initiative to develop a model for inter-state cooperation, focusing on collaborative growth across multiple sectors. The agreement was reached during discussions between Kerala Industries Minister P. Rajeev and Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Dr. T. R. B. Rajaa in Chennai on Monday.

Both states see promising potential for cooperation in more than five sectors, including electronics, mineral resources, advanced manufacturing, public sector undertakings, and startups. Kerala will also partner with Guidance Tamil Nadu, the state’s investment promotion agency. A secretary-level meeting is scheduled to take place within 15 days to advance the framework for cooperation.

This cooperation initiative follows an earlier interaction between the two ministers in Delhi on 11 November, held in the presence of Union Minister Piyush Goyal. Referring to the follow-up meeting, Rajaa said in a post on X, “Yesterday (24 November), barely two weeks since, we have followed it up with a focused meeting, real proposals and a clear path forward.”

The ministers highlighted that the effort is aligned with the shared development vision of both chief ministers, Pinarayi Vijayan and M. K. Stalin.

“Honourable Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has always believed that cooperation between strong states creates stronger outcomes for the people of India on the whole. This discussion proved that point!” Rajaa stated.

Kerala’s Minister P. Rajeev echoed the sentiment, noting that the meeting reaffirmed the belief that true progress stems not from inter-state competition but from purposeful collaboration. “This vision, consistently emphasised by Honourable Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, was clearly reflected in our discussions,” he said, also extending appreciation to Stalin for his support in facilitating this partnership.

“This partnership marks the beginning of a collective journey that can strengthen industries, create new opportunities for entrepreneurs, and generate broad economic benefits across South India,” Rajeev affirmed.