Japan keen on AP Ports, Infra sector

Hyderabad, June 10 (INN): As part of the government's efforts to make Andhra Pradesh an industrial hub for international players, the Industries Department held a seminar on 'Investment Opportunities in AP' at the Foreign Correspondent Club in Tokyo in partnership with Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICCJ).

The seminars were held on 8th and 9th June.

Addressing a seminar on 8th June, Principal Secretary (Industries & Commerce) S.S. Rawat elaborated on the six key sectors for investments - Logistics ' Seaport/Airport, Urban Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, Agriculture and Food processing, Manufacturing.

In the last quarter of 2014-2015, Andhra Pradesh recorded 7.3% growth, with expected growth to reach 8% by 2017.

Rawat explained about Andhra Pradesh having a strong industrial policy, 21-day Single window clearance mechanism where all applications can be submitted online. He added that the rapid expansion of sea and airports will make export-oriented manufacturing viable in the state. 'AP will not only serve domestic market with good connectivity but also boost the state's image as a strong manufacturing hub.'

With Andhra Pradesh having a strong agriculture, horticultural and textile industries base, he said that this will assure presence of strong basic infrastructure. 'AP also has a good labour policy.' Executives of companies operating in Financial, Services, Media, Infrastructure, Food Processing and Manufacturing giants in Japan were present at the seminar.

On 9th June, at the headquarters of Tokyo Keiki Inc, Tokyo, S.S. Rawat had a one-on-one interaction with President of the company Ken-IchiWaki. Tokyo Keiki Inc is 120-year-old company and listed in Tokyo stock exchange and is pioneers in Marine Systems and Hydraulic control systems.

Rawat had given an elaborate presentation on opportunities in AP on development of seaports on PPP basis and mentioned about starting a maritime board in AP, which is first of its kind in the country.

Subsequently, Koichi Nishimura had given a brief presentation of their technologies in marine securities and land radar systems and extended their interest to setting up a manufacturing facility of their state-of-the-art technology products in AP. For this, a feasibility study is needed. Rawat re-assured that support will be extended and the respective departments will be notified.

Another seminar, 'Ports Development Opportunities in AP', was held at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan, Tokyo. It was organized by Indian chamber of commerce-Japan (ICCJ) and Ports and Harbors Bureau, which is under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan. Ministry of Economic Trade and Industry was also present at the seminar.

Thirty companies with varied interests in Logistics, Infrastructure, Port Developers and Engineering Consultants with port expertise participated in the seminar.

Presenting AP as the Maritime state, Rawat explained that AP is the 8th largest state in India with the longest coastline of 974 Kms, facing east, aptly fitting in as the Sunrise Andhra Pradesh. 'The state has potential to become the Logistics Hub and the gateway to East & South East Asian Economies.'

He added that the state government has identified 18 port locations. Of these, six are under operation, six under development and six under planning with completed feasibility studies.