Yokohama port to prepare action plan for AP's ports

In the after-lunch session on Day 1 of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's Japan visit, the AP delegation met with executives of Yokohama Port to discuss on the areas of collaboration in the ports sector.

Yokohama Port is located on the northwestern edge of Tokyo Bay. It is an all-round port, handling various cargos such as container, finished automobile, stone oil, and cereals.

Masayuki Takashima, President of Yokohama Port, told the Chief Minister that they will prepare a master plan for collaboration between Yokohama port and AP ports such as Kakinada, Krishnapatnam and Visakhapatnam ports.

Takashima informed the Chief Minister that they had visited Kakinada port and Kakinada Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in June. Further, the President of Yokohama Port offered to promote Andhra Pradesh to other corporations in Japan.

When asked about the provision of road and power facilities, the Chief Minister said the state government will ensure that the company doesn't face any hurdles. 'We are upgrading airport in Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam,' the Chief Minister informed Takashima.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister explained Andhra Pradesh's focus on the fisheries sector. He said that the state government has identified fisheries as one of the growth engines in the state. 'Income from fishing for 2014-15 stood at Rs.21,325 crore. The state government targets an income of Rs. 32,058 crore this year,' the Chief Minister added.

The Chief Minister added that the high growth rate in fisheries sector highlights the high export potential in the sector.

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

Meeting with Sumitomo representatives

In a meeting with representatives of Sumitomo Corporation, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress on MoUs signed between the state government and the company in last November.

Executives from Sumitomo explained to the AP delegation about the progress since last November after signing an MoU on Bhavanapadu power project. They informed that they finished the feasibility study and the preliminary study.

'The next stage is to do fast-track project of 1,000 MW. Polaki in Srikakulam district has been finalised as the site for the project,' the Chief Minister added.

During the meeting, the state government has decided to constitute a committee of officials to pursue and finalize financing of the project. Two representatives from Sumitomo and two from the Government of Andhra Pradesh will be part of this committee.

That apart, Sumitomo has also offered to help increase the yield of our agricultural fields. They informed the Chief Minister that they will begin the research and experimental work this month. Meanwhile, they added that Japan's agriculture productivity is double that of Andhra Pradesh.

Sumitomo's infrastructure division chief evinced interest in the capital development. 'We want to participate in sewerage treatment and also in water management, traffic signals and traffic plan,' they told the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister responded positively and asked they to come up with an action plan. During the visit of AP delegation to Japan in last November, the Government of AP signed four MoUs with Sumitomo in 4 areas: Agriculture, Energy, Food Processing and Capital development.

Meeting with JICA representatives

During a meeting with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the agenda of the meeting revolved around the Capital city, Metro Rail and Power Project.

Domichi Hidaeki, senior Vice-President of JICA told the Chief Minister that they would like to consider participation in capital consultancy bid and also participate in power project financing of the Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor (CBIC) and Krishnapatnam Industrial Park.

'We would organize a seminar on it soon. To support irrigation, we would initiate a survey of the present status by October. We will also look at food processing and distribution industries,' he added.

Replying to Hidaeki, the Chief Minister asked him whether JICA can prepare an action plan for the next 15 years. 'According to estimates, our Capital would need nearly $50 billion investment over the next 15 years. Based on the needs, can JICA prepare an action plan for the state?' he questioned.

The Chief Minister informed the JICA chief that Yokohama is interested in Kakinada, Sumitomo is interested in Krishnapatnam area for industries and ports. 'Let us evolve a 15-year action plan for irrigation, infrastructure and capital.'

Hidaeki said that Japanese companies are interested in Andhra Pradesh. 'The reason is good governance. Another reason is that India has a strong political leadership and also presence of leaders like you, Mr. Naidu,' he added.

The JICA chief recalled the last summit meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe where Japan had committed $35 billion worth investments. 'A good part of this can go to AP. We are more interested in coming to your state. Both are Prime Minister and you are good and efficient officers, very competent,' Hidaeki opined.

Replying to Hidaeki, the Chief Minister said that Andhra Pradesh needs investments, technology and skills. 'We are also prepared to finance Japanese and Indian companies to invest in India,' Hidaeki added.