By IANS,
Thiruvananthapuram : When they were in the opposition in Kerala, they were critical of the then Congress led United Democratic Front ministers foreign jaunts. Now, in power, the Left ministers are doing a little globe trotting themselves.
The three ministers getting ready for a trip abroad to promote Kerala and seek investments are Tourism Minister and CPI-M politburo member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, State Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem and P.K. Sreemathi, the health minister.
Speaking to IANS, the office of Balakirshnan said that he is leaving for the US and then for Singapore.
“The dates are being finalised and it would take place this month itself. The trip is basically meant to have discussion with various Kerala organisations to invite representatives to Kerala to promote the state as a tourist destination all across the world. Scouting for fresh investments is also part of the agenda,” said the official who did not wish to be named.
Balakrishnan will also visit Singapore and hold talks with the Singapore government for promotion of Kerala.
Kareem’s trip which is in the planning stage is to scout for investment.
“He has got a few invitations from the US and the planning for it has begun. First the permission from central government has to come and once that is done, the finer details would be worked out,” said an official attached to Kareem’s office.
The state Animal Husbandry Minister C. Divakaran recently returned from a European trip, while State Electricity Minister A.K. Balan has visited China.
State Public Works Minister Mons Joseph will leave for Vatican to take part in the ceremony where Sister Alphonsa will be canonized Oct 12. He is part of the Indian delegation which includes 10 people, most of them legislators from Kerala. The delegation is led by Federal Minister Oscar Fernandes.