Big dreamers and achievers like the burgeoning metropolises of Coimbatore and Kovaipudur, which have come under the Coimbatore Corporation’s wing and are ready to take off with the Master Plan 2041 ready to give them a new impetus, are lubricating the wheel of progress as the nation works to fulfill its new destiny. Experts from a variety of industries spoke to a sizable group of possible investors during the “Coimbatore Unlimited 3.0” panel discussions, which were held in Kochi on Thursday, August 7, in collaboration with G Square and The Hindu and sponsored by FICCI. According to the presenters at the interactive session, Coimbatore is the newest trend among prospective investors in South India and throughout India because of its excellent air and road connectivity and the tranquil climate that the powerful Western Ghats provide. Global capability centers (GCCs), next generation IT firms working on artificial intelligence, and a host of other new growth prospects are all making Coimbatore a destination for lifestyle travelers. According to Junaith Babu, chief operating officer (CEO) of G Square, Coimbatore has witnessed the full cycle of industrialization, from its beginnings in the 1950s textile sector to the most recent AI start-ups. The city is now ready to embark on a new path. He went on to say that it became known as the Manchester of South India due to the growth of the textile industry. Small businesses and engineering projects helped the city grow, and today it is home to about 45,000 MSMEs. Mr. Babu asserted with confidence that Coimbatore will establish itself as a significant investment destination in the future on these solid grounds. According to him, G Square just purchased almost 700 acres in Coimbatore for new construction, highlighting the hope sparked by the fresh growth pledges.
Coimbatore had the infrastructure for GCCs, according to Raghav, CEO of A Plus Architects, and the city’s growth objective was well-established. He emphasized that, in light of recent advancements, the younger generation was catching up to the city of Coimbatore. “Coimbatore has the distinction of being a self-made city with little help from the government,” he added. The city developed as a hub for entrepreneurs, and its might has never faltered.
Brookfields’ marketing manager, Sujatha N.A., described Coimbatore as both traditional and modern. With its new mall culture, it is a shopping destination with a healthy mix that will also attract the entertainment industry as the growth story progresses. With all the infrastructure and developments going on around it, she added, it was no longer a tier-2 city but rather a tier 1.5 one. Aside from being a destination for textile shopping, Coimbatore has the potential to develop into a fashion industry, which will create a new center of activity due to the harmonious fusion of modern and traditional elements.
Coimbatore is now providing a rich gastronomic experience, according to Balakrishna, consulting director of PBK Business Consulting in Coimbatore. Given that the city used to be known for its non-vegetarian cuisine, the vegetarian options have become more varied. There are now more vegetarian options available because to the COVID-19 epidemic, which has attracted many people who want to try the new dishes.
The establishment of pilgrimage sites would enhance Coimbatore’s standing. According to the presenters, Coimbatore has an advantage because of its historical reputation as a healthcare destination, and medical tourism has a lot of promise for the future. Additionally, Mr. Junaith Babu alluded to G Square’s potential to serve as a catalyst for a location where foreign investments might provide a new growth trajectory, generating jobs and business prospects.
According to the speakers, Coimbatore is poised to make significant strides due to its location beneath the powerful Western Ghats and its mild climate and microclimate.
