Industrialists from the coastal region are all set to take the plunge for developing the residuary State of Andhra Pradesh. A blueprint is ready, and the implementation of projects is awaiting announcement of the development package.
The blueprint, prepared by the Andhra Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has clearly identified the regions for sector-wise development, based on their inherent strength, in the 13 districts of Seemandhra. The emphasis is on food processing, marine processing, textiles, granite and mineral processing, petrochemicals, IT/ ITES, port, pharma, film and tourism.
ACCI secretary Chukkapalli R. Prasad told The Hindu that the AP coastline was nearly 970 km long, with a vast potential for marine processing. “West Godavari district alone accounts for about Rs.1,000 crore for fish export and Rs. 700 crore for shrimp. The plan envisages development of marine processing all along the coast from Srikakulam to Nellore. This will triple the current figures,” he said.
Mr. Prasad added that the same model could be replicated in agro-based industry, too. “The delta regions of East, West, Krishna and Guntur are rich in agriculture. What we now need to do is focus on value addition agro-based industries,” he said.
The blueprint identities the region from Srikakulam to Visakhapatnam for development of industries such as marine processing, ports, IT, Pharma and film. While petrochemical industries are earmarked for the region from Visakhapatnam to East Godavari, that from West Godavari to Nellore is identified for food procession, agro-based industry, engineering and electronics hardware and manufacturing zones.
On the public infrastructure front, the blueprint highlights the creation of a railway zone, modernisation of airports at Vijayawada, Rajahmundry and Tirupati, a four-lane exclusive coastal highway, east-coast dedicated freight corridor, development of ports at Machilipatnam and Dugarajapatnam and creation of a national manufacturing investment zone at Ongole and SEZs in Vijayawada and Guntur.
However, Mr. Prasad said things would fall in place only if the Centre gave a special package for exemption of Central Excise duty for a period of at least 10 years and an income tax holiday for the same period.
“This will attract investments in each sector, and we have already got commitments. There is also a proposal for a manufacturing zone covering Rayalaseema and Anantapur. The zone will touch the proposed Chennai- Bangalore Corridor,” he said.
