‘Direct flight to Singapore from Amaravati in 3 years’

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said direct flights would be operated in three to four years between the upcoming capital, Amaravati and Singapore.

Delivering a talk at the Institute of South Asian Studies at Singapore, he appealed to investors to tap the abundant opportunities available in Amaravati and elsewhere in Andhra Pradesh in different sectors like infrastructure, tourism and agro-processing. Mr. Naidu announced that his government would set up a separate AP desk in Singapore to help those seeking to participate in different projects.

Observing that many countries were evincing interest to utilise the opportunities, he said the proposed capital would not only be a seat of administration, but also a hub for economic activity and entertainment. Referring to recent World Bank report on ease of doing business in which Andhra Pradesh was placed second, he expressed confidence that AP would move to the top position and overtake Gujarat by next year.

Outlining his vision, he said “We want to be among top three states by 2022” and the number one State by 2029.

Mr. Naidu assured prospective investors that clearances would be granted within 21 days, while referring to single desk system set up in this regard. He said he would soon function full time from Vijayawada.

Pointing out that AP has a long sea coast, he said “the advantage we have is that we are the only State with such a long coast on the East and hence we aim to develop this as logistics hub of Southeast Asia”.

Despite the challenges, the government sees capital building as one of the greatest advantages for the state.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted the invitation to lay foundation stone for Amaravati on October 22. He would meet Singapore Prime Minister on Tuesday and extend an invitation to him for attending the foundation stone laying ceremony.