Industries Minister N. Amarnath Reddy on Friday stressed the need for encouraging setting up of industries in Rayalaseema so as to contribute towards the development of the region and also provide employment opportunities to the youth.
Speaking during the inaugural session of the three-day ‘National Industries Machinery Expo-2017,’ organised by the Department of Industries and Commerce along with United Creations, at Shilparamam’s Urban Haat here, Mr. Reddy said Chittoor and Nellore districts were poised to emerge as the ‘industrial hub’ of the State, and called upon aspiring entrepreneurs to make use of the opportunities provided by the State and Central governments.
“Such expos not only spread awareness among the young entrepreneurs, but also give them an idea about the technology available in the market,” he said.
Coastal Employment Zone
Mr. Reddy said that financial assistance to push forward Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) by encouraging women entrepreneurs, graduates and youngsters from SC/ST communities, would enable them to stand on their feet and generate employment for others. Reiterating the State government’s commitment to promote industrial development in the region, he said a ‘Coastal Employment Zone’ would be set up at a cost of ₹1,500 crore (excluding the contribution from the Centre).
“Both Nellore and Chittoor districts will fall under the zone and plans are being charted out to set up several industries, offering employment to more than 50,000 people. Much importance is being given to both Bengaluru-Chennai and Visakhapatnam-Chennai Corridors,” he said.
The Minister said MSME parks would be set up across the State and land had been identified for the purpose. “About 1,235 acres has been identified for setting up 13 MSME Parks in Chittoor district and everything will happen in line with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision of empowering the youth,” he added.
Mr. Reddy said Mr. Naidu would lay the foundation stones for two major companies — Hero Motors and Apollo Tyres— next month..
MLAs M. Suguna (Tirupati), T. Aditya (Satyavedu), Sri City Founder and Managing Director Ravindra Sannareddy and others took part. About 35 companies exhibited their products at the expo.
