LOS ANGELES: A top delegation from Andhra Pradesh told the Indian Americans and others at the Regional Pravasi Bhartiya Divas here why it was wise to invest in the newly carved out State.
The delegation was led by IYR Krishna Rao IAS, Chief Secretary and included J. Krishna Kishore IRS, Chief Executive Officer, AP Economic Development Board and Dr P. Ravikumar Vemuru, Advisor, NRI Affairs.
The delegation explained that Andhra Pradesh ranks amongst top Indian states in creating conducive business environment. It holds the 2nd Rank amongst Indian States (World Bank Study for DIPP, Govt. of India, September 2015).
Detailing the facilities the delegation members said in the field of Power, Andhra Pradesh was the 1st state in South India to offer 24X7 power to industry; capacity addition from 9,600 MW to 17,000 MW by 2019 through solar, wind, thermal; massive strengthening of electricity grid; focus on green energy projects and 3.5 GW of solar power capacity being added.
On the issue of land acquisition, they said Andhra had an existing land bank of 300,000 acres. Adding further 700,000 acres, the total planned land bank available is 1 million acres. The State provides GIS enabled online Land Bank information; affordable land rates and land given on 99-years lease and also scope for developing industrial parks on PPP basis
On the issue of connectivity, the State boasts of Ports – 6 under operation, 6 under development and 5 planned; Airports – 6 existing, 1 mega Aerotropolis and 5 no-frills airports to be developed; Road Network – 45,000 km (4,423 km of National Highways); Railway – 7,040 track km of network and Inland Water Transport – 888 km National Waterway
The commitment of the State is to provide external infrastructure, industrial water, developed land, 24×7 power and skill upgradation facilities to the industries setting up in Andhra Pradesh.
The focus sectors in the State where targeted approach is being followed are: Agro and Food Processing; Life Sciences; Electronics and IT; Mineral Based Industry; Automobiles and Auto Components; Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals; Energy; Leather; Aerospace and Defense.
India Post News Service