Kochi, Nov 26 (IANS): Kerala's urban affairs department is expecting to rake in investments worth about Rs.2,000 crore for over 100 key projects through its "Partner Kerala Meet" to be held here next month, a minister said Tuesday.

The two-day event, slated to begin Dec 19, is meant to seek funds for projects for developing basic infrastructure in major cities through public-private partnership.

Urban Affairs Minister Manjalamkuzhi Ali told reporters here that hundreds of potential investors from in and out of the country are expected to take part in the meet which will showcase investment opportunities across a number of areas.

"It includes projects such as waste management, sewerage, flyovers, bridges, parking lots, bus terminals, comfort stations, markets, amenities like shopping complexes and multiplex cinema halls," he said.

Investors can log on to www.partnerkerala.com for free online registration for the event.

"The biggest challenge facing local bodies today is the lack of funds to upgrade and modernise infrastructure. Nearly half of them depend on state funding to pay salaries and pensions to employees, which means they struggle to invest in infrastructure and other development activities," said Ali.