Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 24 (NationPress) Kerala's Labour and Finance Ministers, V. Sivankutty and K.N. Balagopal, convened a pivotal meeting with a German delegation on Friday to uncover avenues for investment and enhance collaboration in employment generation and skill development.

This gathering, orchestrated by the Kerala Academy for Skills Excellence (KASE), saw participation from 27 German delegates led by the German Consul General, Eckim Burkatt.

Labour Minister Sivankutty underscored Kerala's proactive measures over the past year to partner with foreign nations aimed at job creation and attracting new investments.

“Kerala's advantages include an industry-friendly environment, a tranquil society, and a highly skilled workforce. Germany is renowned for its technological prowess and discipline. Our educated and talented youth can significantly mitigate Germany's ongoing skilled labor shortages,” Sivankutty remarked.

He pointed out that thousands of ITI and polytechnic graduates in Kerala are prepared for employment, adding that with structured German language training and professional orientation, they could contribute meaningfully to Germany's labor market.

Kerala has made history as the first Indian state to standardize German language training through KASE, in partnership with the Goethe-Institut and OSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch). Esteemed international certification bodies, including TELC and ECL, are involved in this initiative to ensure top-tier and accessible language training for job seekers eyeing German employment prospects.

The minister encouraged the German delegation to invest in Kerala and create new job opportunities for the state's youth by leveraging Kerala's industrial strengths and human resource potential.

Finance Minister Balagopal reiterated the deep-rooted socio-economic connections between Kerala and Germany, advocating for intensified engagement and investments.

“Kerala has a longstanding connection with Germany. Many Malayalis, particularly in the healthcare sector, have established their lives there since the late 20th century, with their descendants maturing in Germany. German technology and equipment are highly regarded in Kerala, and we eagerly anticipate greater German involvement in our developmental journey,” Balagopal commented.

Key officials, including T.V. Anupama, Special Secretary of the Labour and Skill Development Department; C. Sambashiva Rao, Special Secretary of Electronics and IT; Vishnuraj, Managing Director of KSIDC; and Sufiyan Ahmad, Managing Director of KASE, were also present during the discussions.

This meeting is poised to set the stage for increased German investments in Kerala, high-quality skill development initiatives, and broader international employment opportunities for the youth of the state.