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Southern Indian state minister to visit China this month to attract investors

By Bivash Mukherjee | April 1, 2015, Wednesday | Online Edition

THE top representative from the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh will be visiting China later this month in the hope of attracting Chinese investors to his state.

K. Rama Mohana Rao, a special envoy of the government of Andhra Pradesh, told Shanghai Daily that the state's Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, will be traveling to China from April 12 to April 17 during which he will visit Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai.

Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated in June last year which resulted in former capital Hyderabad going to the newly-created Telangana state.

"After the bifurcation we are like a new state ... a 9-month-old baby. There is budget deficit and we are building a new capital city," Rao said. "That opens up huge business potential in my state. The chief minister will be meeting government and business leaders during his visit to China."

Rao said some of the key areas earmarked for Chinese investors were sectors where they excelled at.

"From China, we will be looking at solar energy, real estate and infrastructure. We want to provide housing to everybody. We are also keen to develop high-speed train network from the city of Vishakhapatnam to the planned new capital in Vijayawada. Then there is the Metro system. That means connectivity throughout the state. Wherever there are existing lines we want to upgrade it. We want to invite the Chinese to explore the possibilities. Government can provide land. We will go for PPA (private-public participation) where necessary and investors can earn money," Rao said.

Andhra Pradesh is the eight largest of the 29 states in India. It has the second longest coastline in the country that throws up opportunities for international trade -- a "gateway of Asia."

Rao said plans are afoot to build three international airports and 13 ports -- three of which are already in operation.

"We have framed a strong industrial policy. Politically, we are part of the present NDA government in the center. Where there is need to get the central government's clearance, we will get it," assured Rao.

"The state is rich in minerals like granite, limestone and iron ore. There are plenty of opportunities in textiles too, as well as in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, steel industry and raw materials. We will provide 24/7 power, skilled labor or where there is a need we can train them. Most importantly, all permissions will be granted within 21 days. What more would you want?"

"We are telling the world it is a sunrise state -- sunrise capital and sunrise state. Come to Andhra."

Rao was even more impressed by the sight of Pudong financial district in Shanghai during a cruise trip on the Huangpu River.

"I'm told the other side used to be a farmland few years ago. Today it is a major hub of commercial activity and tourism. It is amazing what they have done. The chief minister will be in Shanghai on April 16. I intend to take him to the Bund. We have a river, Krishna Canal, in the state ... it would be good idea if we could develop it in the way they have." 

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