Assocham has big plans for Andhra Pradesh

Proposes to set up 10 knowledge SEZs.

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) in a bid to turn Andhra Pradesh into a knowledge epicenter of the world has proposed to set up 10 knowledge SEZs, an equal number of agri processing zones and 200 agri training institutes (ATIs) in the state, which are expected to attract over Rs 1.5 lakh crore investments in the next seven years and generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for five lakh skilled and unskilled workforce.

"The state has huge potential to build industries in biotechnology, nanotechnology, robotics, automation and institution of professional excellence on the pattern of IIMs. This will be a milestone in providing value to farmers and connecting rural-urban centres," said Venugopal N Dhoot, chambers president, after releasing the Assocham blue-print for Andhra Pradesh here on Sunday.

Urging the state government to allow free flow of knowledge and intellectual wealth through setting up of highly innovative educational centres on the lines of IIMs and create centres of excellence in the field of biotechnology, pharma, robotics, automation and nanotechnology to produce knowledge products of par excellence, he said that the Assocham Southern Development Council would offer every possible help in establishing linkages between investors and the state agencies.

"Andhra Pradesh has already attracted investments to the extent of Rs 5,000 crore in the last six years, including an FDI component of about Rs 1,000 crore, by undertaking a massive reform exercise and providing a conducive industrial climate and law and order situation and scored sixth ranking in terms of FDIs. Therefore, it is high time the state government established a single-window facility for investment clearance," Dhoot said.

The state also has substantial potential for setting up of SEZs, particularly in the areas of technology and food parks.

"The Assocham has the information that the government has withheld around 16 SEZ proposals due to pendency of approval from the Centre. Therefore, chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy should write to the Centre for their speedy approval as they have the potential to attract about Rs 800 crore of investments," he added.

He advised the state administration to upgrade the state's infrastructure, modify its fisheries development programmes and announce tax holidays for infrastructure projects, which have a long gestation period.