Naidu finalises Japan investment proposals

Hyderabad, July 6 (INN): To strengthen Andhra Pradesh's position on the global investment map, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is visiting Japan from July 6-9th to finalize investment proposals of Japanese companies/investors made in Last November (during his first visit).

Ministers Yanamala Ramakrishnudu and P. Narayana, Advisor (Communications) Dr. Parakala Prabhakar, Principal Secretary to CM Satish Chandra, Principal Secretaries S.S. Rawat, Ajay Jain, A. Giridhar and CEO of CRDA Srikanth were part of the delegation.

Meeting 1: Fuji Electric

The first day of the Chief Minister's Japan visit started off with a meeting with Fuji Electric executives.

The Chief Minister, during his Japan visit in November 2014, invited Fuji Electric to do a feasibility report for a smart grid project. Today's meeting was a review on the team's field studies. During the meeting, Fuji Electric's Representative Director Yoshio Okuno informed the Chief Minister that they have identified a site in Vijayawada for the smart grid project.

The project in Vijayawada will be taken up on pilot basis. However, the main project will be concentrated in the state capital.

In order to make Andhra Pradesh's smart grid project the best in the country, Fuji Electric representatives presented a research report after analyzing weather, wind direction and correlation between weather and power demand.

Okuno suggested two models of developing a smart grid project. The first is to develop a model smart grid project for the state and the second being, partnership of AP with Fuji Electric where they can together offer consultancy services to other states in the country.

'The initial model could be scaled up to all the cities, and later expanded to the entire state,' he said.

Later, the Chief Minister explained various steps the government has taken to reduce T&C losses.

Kenji Goto, Executive Officer and Kazuhiko Hanaoka, Tomoyuki Kawagoe were present in the meeting.

Meeting 2: Mitsubishi Corporation

In the second meeting with Mitsubishi Corporation, Senior Vice President of Mitsubishi Corporation Yasuhiko Kitagawa came forward to partner with Andhra Pradesh under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

As part of their global CSR programme, they are setting up Japan Information and Study Centre at Andhra University. This Centre, under CSR, will promote Japanese language courses and introduce locals to the Japanese culture.

'We are keen on the Chennai-Bangalore industrial corridor and Krishnapatnam industrial node,' Kitagawa added, calling Andhra Pradesh an attractive destination for investments.

Mr Kitagawa requested an approach road to their factory near Tuni. The Chief Minister assured them that it will be completed within 100 days.

Secretary (Industries) S.S. Rawat suggested that Mitsubishi could set up a cluster near Krishnapatnam, bringing in all their subsidiaries to one place.

The Chief Minister also sought Mitsubishi's co-operation in the state's food processing sector. 'Any problem regarding infrastructure and clearances can be immediately addressed,' he assured the Mitsubishi delegation.

Given that Andhra Pradesh is home to mineral resources like iron ore and bauxite, the Chief Minister said Japanese companies must tap the potential.

Mitsubishi Corporation expressed their interest to celebrate M.S. Swaminathan's 90th birthday in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh government. For this, the Chief Minister proposed Amaravati as the venue for the event.

Further, Kitagawa informed the Chief Minister that, in partnership with M.S. Swaminathan Foundation, they will undertake a five-year rural development programme in Krishna district from this year.

Later, the Chief Minister explained the Japanese delegation the government's smart village /ward initiative, inviting them to be partners in it.

Masakazu Sakakida, Senior Vice President, Chairman & MD, Mitsubishi Corporation India Pvt. Ltd., Masao Ikeya Senior Vice President and other representatives were present.

Meeting 3: Mayekawa Mfg. Co. Ltd.

In a meeting with the Chief Minister, Yoshiro Tanaka, Chairman, Mayekawa Mfg. Co. Ltd. evinced interest in exploring fisheries sector.

Tanaka informed the Chief Minister that a technical team will visit the Godavari districts during August to study fish processing units in the state.

The Chief Minister explained the Japanese delegation that Andhra Pradesh is a leading state in the fisheries sector. 'At present, we are only a top market in marine exports. We want to expand to other regions by setting up processing units,' he added.

Explaining that the state aims to grow 30-35 per cent every year in fisheries, the Chief Minister invited Mayekawa to guide Andhra Pradesh in this sector. He also informed that the government is contemplating setting up of Aqua University.

Tanaka suggested that Andhra Pradesh should have a dedicated Japan desk in the country. This will generate an interest among Japanese investors, he said. The Chief Minister replied in the affirmative.

Ashok Uniyal, Senior Executive Director, Kuniaki Kawamura, Executive Director and others were present.