Mr. Ameer Ahamed Manappat, Chairman and Managing Director, Manappat Group of Companies is a true visionary. From a small beginning, he established Rs 425 crore turn over conglomerate Muscat-based Manappat Group of Companies- an umbrella of 13 companies.
The Manappat Group has diversified into Engineering, Trading, Food, Hospitality and Human resources.
He is the Director of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC). He also holds various positions in social and educational institutions.
As a successful businessman, how do you rate the business environment in UAE and other countries?
Of late, the business environment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is heralding positive growth. The business climate in UAE has changed a lot from the recession period. Currently, a lot of development activities particularly in the infrastructure sector are progressing in the region.
In the coming years, Manappat Group of Companies will invest more in UAE.
Oman is also a potential market. Oman is traditionally a steady market that grows on a uniform growth rate. And, in the coming years, the economic growth of Oman will double. Saudi Arabia, where started our operations recently, is another market that offers immense potential for business growth. In short, Gulf markets are going to be the growth centres of business.
During Emerging Kerala, you announced that Manappat will invest 1,250 crores in IT and Realty. Could you please explain the projects in detail and what’s the status is?
We are keen to start a few projects in Kerala if we are given the comfort and conducive atmosphere to do business. Some of the proposed projects are a Mixed Use Commercial Complex in Perumbavoor and an IT Park near Calicut Airport.
The Mixed Use Commercial Complex in Perumbavoor will comprise of a large shopping arcade, three-screen multiplex, food court, a Star hotel and a Convention Centre with 1,500 seating capacity with more than 700 car parking. The first phase of the project is expected to be ready by end of 2014
The IT Park project named as Manappat Knowledge Park will be developed in 35 acres of land. With a total built-up space of 600,000 sq ft in the first phase, the project will create 1,500 direct jobs.
We also have plans to develop five acres of land adjacent to the Koratty Infopark for which we are in discussion with the Government of Kerala.
Kerala, especially Kochi is undergoing a massive construction boom, with hundreds of flats are coming up. At this point in time, could you please share your vision and mission on Development? And, what development model would be beneficial for Kerala?
Lack of long-term vision is a major drawback. Kochi is a beautiful city that has got the potential to grow to the standard of an international city. However, we do face strong protests from so-called environmentalists and anti-development people which hinders the growth of the state. We should educate them about the projects and their significance. Similarly, the attitude of the politicians and bureaucrats also need a paradigm shift from selfish to altruistic.
The State Government should utilize the expertise of NRKs and actively engage them in preparing a master plan for the development of the state as well as the city. For instance, if the canals in Kochi can be cleaned and made motorable, the face of the city will get enhanced. This itself will uplift the status of the city.
What are your views on the Kerala business environment? What are the major hurdles that you face in investing in Kerala?
Lack of political will and the differences in the attitude of the politicians are the major problems of the state. Kerala is a superb state with a large pool of skilled resources. We need a consensus among various political parties and the people of Kerala for a developmental plan for the state.
We need to look at things from a proactive mind rather than a reactive or a negative attitude. Government should act as a catalyst for infrastructure development and arranging a conducive atmosphere including taking the opposition into confidence. Leave rest to the entrepreneurs; they will make this state a real “God’s Own Country”.
For this, we should impart the importance of development from the school level itself and should build a quality next generation with a proactive mind who work for the development of the state.
What can be done to improve the business environment in Kerala particularly laws relating to business?
Good infrastructure brings good development. Therefore, Kerala should give emphasis in building top-class infrastructure and it is the need of the hour.
The state government should give extra care to infrastructure.
On amendment in laws, the government should hold parleys with Chambers of Commerce in India and eminent industry experts.
