Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who is on a trip to the US invited Pfizer, a multinational pharma major, to open a research center in Kerala. The CM invited Pfizer during a high-level meeting held in New York. The high-level delegation of Vijayan included Chief Secretary VP Joy who made a presentation on the state. The meeting was attended by the Vice Presidents of Pfizer Dr M Raja, Dr Kannan Natarajan and Dr Sandeep Menon.
According to the information provided by Kerala CMO, the CM invited Pfizer to open a research centre in Kerala.
Yet, a team of Pfizer officials is expected to land in Kerala in the course of the present calender year. However, the decision on opening the centre rests with Pfizer.
During the meet, the talk was reportedly mainly about the way Pfizer could open a center in Kerala despite having a research centre in Chennai. The Pfizer officials were also reportedly keen on the advancement Kerala had made in biotechnology, bio-informatics, applied mathematics and allied areas. These are the areas that are also said to be crucial if Pfizer sets the centre in Kerala.
Pinarayi also explained about the details of a Digital Sciences Park in Kerala. The facility was dedicated to the nation by PM Modi.
Vijayan is reportedly eager for the arrival of the Pfizer team to Kerala. If Pfizer agrees to set up a research centre in Kerala then it could be given a hero's welcome in Communist Kerala, said a report on IANS.
CM Vijayan will return Kerala on June 16.
Earlier, Kerala tried to establish Johns Hopkins University in the state at the cost of Rs 700 crore to promote multi-disciplinary studies, research and training in public health two decades back. However, the efforts of the then CM AK Antony failed.
ALSO READ: To Mark 9 Years Of Modi Govt, Amit Shah To Address Public Meetings Across Four States Today