The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) would showcase the Information Technology (IT) SEZ at Gannavaram through its network and programmes all over the world, CII AP chairman Shakti Sagar told reporters on Wednesday after a visit to the SEZ.
Mr. Sagar said that CII Vijayawada chairman J.S.R.K. Prasad briefed the organisation's regional chairman Kris Gopalakrishna, who is managing director of Infosys Technologies Ltd., about the excellent infrastructure and the human resources available in Krishna district, and the head of the IT giant evinced interest.
He said that the CII would open an office here before the end of the year. Also, several programmes were planned for the development of industry and entrepreneurship in Krishna district. A seminar on ‘Education Excellence for Schools' and another on ‘Engaging Work Force for Organisational Excellence' would be organised. Some of the other programmes planned were a forum on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), a session on Association for Overseas Technology Scholarships (AOTS), seminars on eco-tourism, IT and MSMEs and green buildings. CII AP vice-chairman Jayadev Galla said that the CII theme for 2010-11 was ‘Fostering inclusive economic growth through partnerships.' He said ‘Young Indians', a group of entrepreneurs promoted by the CII, had chapters at Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam and would soon open a chapter in Vijayawada too. ‘Young Indians' were working under the guidance of international management guru C.K. Prahalad, who passed away recently. As part of this initiative, developmental plans were being finalised for four districts -- Ranga Reddy, Visakhapatnam, Chittoor and Krishna. These plans were a part of ‘Vision of India at 75'. As part of it, the CII would launch an agro-processing initiative. The initiative would include promoting Banganapalli variety of mango internationally, working with government to improve road connectivity from Vijayawada to Hyderabad and developing two additional industrial estates in the city.
Industrial growth
Mr. Prasad, chairman of the CII Vijayawada zone, said that Krishna district was lagging behind in industrial growth. While the growth in the State was 12 per cent, the growth rate of Krishna district was just 9 per cent. There was scope for developing food processing industry, eco-tourism and skill development for IT sector.
