In a first-of-its-kind initiative, a Women Entrepreneur International Trade and Technology Hub (WITH) will be developed near Visakhapatnam with Asian Development Bank as the technology partner.
In an interview to The Hindu on the sidelines of the three-day international women entrepreneurs’ conference on innovation, incubation and industrialisation, South Asian Women Development Forum (SAARC- recognised body) president Pramila Acharya Rijal said the construction of green-friendly buildings would be completed in three years in PPP mode.
Blueprint
Ms. Rijal said they would finalise the architect after drawing the blueprint for the super-structures to come up on the five acres allotted by the State government near Anandapuram, about 45-km from here.
Ms. Rijal said WITH would offer a one-stop platform for women entrepreneurs from SAARC countries and China to promote bilateral trade and integrate more effectively with the global economy.
The decision to locate it in Visakhapatnam was taken at the SAARC summit organised in Nepal due to port connectivity and it being the largest commercial hub of the Sunrise State of Andhra Pradesh.
The SAWDF will partner with the Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of India (ALEAP) in the development of the trade centre.
Special grants
Ms. Rijal said they would also seek special grants from the World Bank, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of Australia, the Department for International Development of United Kingdom, and other global agencies.
Lauding the support extended by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu by allotting land immediately after they met him to explain the proposal, she said the centre would be a role model for other regions.
She exuded confidence that they would commence construction within year after obtaining all the clearances and firming funds for the project.
Opportunity
Ms. Rijal said the centre would offer an unique opportunity to small and medium women entrepreneurs with ready-made infrastructure, common facilities, and marketing network.
Buyer-seller meets and exhibitions would be organised regularly, besides offering training, and research and development facility for the entrepreneurs.
