The picturesque Kochi will host the next meeting of the India chapter of the World Economic Forum on November 8-9, thus the commercial hub of Kerala becomes the first Southern city to host the famed forum.

 

Making the announcement chief minister Oommen Chandy said this will be the 29th edition of the World Economic Forum-India summit, which traditionally has been held in Delhi. The 2011 summit was hosted by Mumbai though. The Forum had held its 27 earlier meetings in New Delhi and once in Mumbai. This is for the first time that the event is coming to the South, Chandy added.

 

Chief executives of 96 companies and heads of multinationals in the country are expected to participate in the meeting. Around 300 delegates are scheduled to attend the meet, expected to boost the state's image as an attractive investment destination.

 

Sushant Rao, senior director of the Asia Economic Forum, who was also present  with Chandy, said the objective of conducting the meeting in different states was to highlight the role played by states towards national economy.