Kerala’s proposal to establish a cultural complex, an education hub, and a family city for Malayalis in Sharjah has found resonance with the ruler of the emirate who is currently on a visit to the State.
A joint communique issued by Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here on Tuesday said the proposals were being examined and would be taken up soon.
The three projects are among a package of eight proposals submitted to the ruler on his arrival here. While the cultural complex is envisaged as a facility to showcase Kerala’s cultural heritage and Ayurvedic traditions, the education hub would comprise an engineering college, medical college, and public school.
The family city would be designed to provide affordable housing for Malayalis in Sharjah.
IT collaboration
The other components of the package include better collaboration in the IT sector, investment in infrastructure development, Ayurveda and medical tourism, a medical centre of international standards to be located near the Kannur airport, and cooperation in the Navakerala Mission programme.
The Sultan informed the Chief Minister that the emirate would set up a centre for learning and research in Arabic language in Kerala. He also proposed a network of skill development centres to equip Keralites seeking jobs abroad.
He approved a suggestion by Mr. Vijayan to provide a facility for Malayali jobseekers to secure an international driving licence before leaving for Sharjah. Authorities from the emirate would conduct the requisite tests in accordance with international laws.
The meeting decided to constitute a high-level committee of officials to take the proposals forward and prepare an action plan for implementation.
The Sultan told the Ministers that moves were on to extend all the benefits enjoyed by his palace staff to workers across Sharjah. A large number of Malayali expatriates were expected to benefit from this move.
Land for UAE consulate
The State government has promised to provide land for the construction of a building for the UAE Consulate in Thiruvananthapuram.
The two sides agreed to cement ties between Kerala and Sharjah. Mr. Vijayan said the people of the State considered it an honour to host the sultan.