Business in Kochi

Business in Kochi - Although Thiruvananthapuram is the state capital, Kochi has for long been the economic hub drawing its strength from the spice trade with the Romans and other western territories. The 1970s brought a substantial flow of NRI deposits. Lately the Cochin harbour and exports have added to Kochi's growth. Today, with Kochi's beautiful landscape, tourism has become another important income provider, bringing in about Rs. 1,800 crores in the last (2005) financial year.

The Cochin Port, first built by Robert Bristow on the man-made Willingdon Island, corners a large chunk of Indian international container trade. Much of the Willingdon Island revolves around the activities of the port. Willingdon Island can be reached by either road or by ferry. Kochi's old airport is also located there.

Cochin Shipyard depicts Kochi's grand scale growth in exports and shipping. The shipyard can be seen from the Willingdon Island or on a boat trip that gives a clear sight of its activities. Established in 1972, the Cochin Shipyard Limited is a key contributor to India's ship building industry. It has the capacity to build even aircraft carriers, and undertakes ship repair, marine engineering and offshore up gradation.

A boat trip is the best way to see the site of the new Vallarpadam container trans-shipment terminal. The project is being undertaken by Dubai Port at a cost of Rs. 2000 crores. The Vallarpadam Island, on which it is located, will call on mother ships, making it one of the largest in the country. The island can also be seen from Fort Kochi and Willingdon Island.

Cochin International Airport that opened in 1999 and started as one of the finest in the country is located at Nedumbassery, outside Ernakulam City. A joint sector airport, the project has shown a dividend within the first five years of its operation.

Ernakulam's MG Road and Shanmugam Road also house a large number of corporate offices and many of the state government's administrative wings.

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• Arera Colony
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