HiLITE Group is preparing to launch the world’s largest World Trade Center, aiming to reposition Kozhikode and Kerala on the global map. Once a thriving commercial hub, Kozhikode is set to regain its former glory through this landmark project, which is expected to boost trade significantly. Since the announcement of HiLITE Group’s World Trade Center, the city has been brimming with anticipation and ambition. HiLITE Group CEO Ajil Muhammad shares insights about the World Trade Center and its planned activities.
HiLITE Group CEO Ajil Muhammad
Why Kozhikode?
Some people ask why Kozhikode was chosen as the site for the World Trade Center. The first reason is simple: a deep love for the city. This project could have been launched anywhere — Bangalore, Chennai, or Kochi — but Kozhikode is preferred. There’s another reason as well: Kozhikode has been a prominent trading center since ancient times.
Kozhikode rose to global recognition as a trading hub during the era of Vasco da Gama. Over time, however, its prominence waned, and today, compared to other trading cities, Kozhikode has fallen behind. HiLITE Group’s vision is to restore the city’s former glory in the trade sector. And the World Trade Center will be the catalyst for that revival. Kozhikode is more than capable of achieving this.
Just as Dubai transformed into a global hub following the establishment of its World Trade Center, this project has the potential to place Kozhikode firmly on the world map and trigger a significant surge in trade. Another advantage lies in the city’s human capital. Quality talent is a prerequisite for any successful enterprise, and Kozhikode has an abundance of it. This makes Kerala an attractive destination for global companies.
In addition, Kozhikode and the wider Malabar region are renowned for their hospitality - a trait admired worldwide. This cultural strength will serve as a valuable asset for the World Trade Center and its international engagements.
World Trade Center
The World Trade Center (WTC) is an international association, and its license is required to establish a World Trade Center. Headquartered in New York, the WTC includes representatives from numerous countries. It’s important to note that the association itself does not develop projects. They provide the license.
Obtaining this license is a rigorous process that requires completing specific formalities. HiLITE Group has successfully secured the WTC license after establishing its presence in Kozhikode. The group plans to develop a World Trade Center spanning 1.25 crore square feet, marking a monumental addition to the city’s commercial landscape.
The world’s largest
According to the plans submitted to the World Trade Center Association, this will be the largest World Trade Center in the world.
HiLITE Group’s design prioritises office space, which will occupy 6.5 million square feet across two main towers - the centerpiece of the World Trade Center. In addition to the main towers, several other office buildings will rise, along with a variety of structures, including WTC Residents (apartments), a hotel, a convention center, an exhibition center, and a performance theater.
Construction has already begun on the World Trade Center Learning Park, with the first phase covering 2.14 lakh square feet. True to its name, the Learning Park will be exclusively dedicated to educational institutions and accessible only to students. It aims to bring globally renowned institutions together under one roof, fostering collaborative learning. The park will include all essential student facilities, from a large library to an amphitheater, making it a hub for education and innovation.
10-year plan
HiLITE Group has laid out a 10-year vision for the World Trade Center. The first building, the WTC Learning Park, is scheduled for completion in March. The entire World Trade Center will comprise multiple structures, forming HiLITE City, which will span 100 acres. All major components of the project are expected to be completed by 2030.
As part of this vision, a global institution named the WTC Institute will be launched, offering programs affiliated with leading universities worldwide. HiLITE Group will oversee the management of the institute, ensuring high-quality education and international standards.
Beyond the World Trade Center, HiLITE Group also plans to develop new projects, including IT and tech parks in Kochi, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram, further strengthening Kerala’s position as a hub for commerce, education, and innovation.
Employment opportunities
HiLITE Group aims to create 1.35 lakh new direct jobs across various sectors through the World Trade Center project. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring time-bound approvals, as timely project completion depends on them. Fortunately, the initiative has received strong support from the government.
Equally important is the enthusiasm of the local community. People have already embraced the concept of the World Trade Center, signaling a readiness for development. All that was needed was a visionary to take the first step, and HiLITE Group is leading the way.
Reverse migration to Kerala
Kerala has it all - people, geography, climate, and strong development indicators such as per capita income. Yet, in terms of holistic development, certain gaps remain. Manufacturing, for instance, faces limitations due to space constraints compared to other states. The key to advancing Kerala’s growth lies in creating world-class facilities and infrastructure across sectors, starting with IT. HiLITE Group is taking the lead in making this vision a reality.
The World Trade Center is a cornerstone of this effort. By providing facilities and opportunities that often attract people to other countries to work and study, it encourages reverse migration, bringing talent and resources back to Kerala. As this ecosystem develops, it will trigger further growth across multiple sectors.
Transportation systems will see upgrades, airports will be modernised, and residential projects will expand. Townships, hospitals, and schools will emerge, and trade opportunities will flourish. Each initiative is designed to accelerate Kerala’s development and position the state as a global hub. HiLITE Group aims to set a new benchmark in development, shaping a sustainable and innovative model for the future.
Gaining trust for such a large-scale project was a challenge, but the team fully embraced the vision, committing wholeheartedly to the mission. HiLITE Group plans to invest $1.2 billion across various projects in Kerala, with full confidence in achieving 100% success.