Chief Minister Jagan cites strong US partnership as a critical element of AP's growth

Amaravati: The USA - India Business Council and the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center held an exclusive business roundtable discussion in Washington, D.C with Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, on Saturday.

This roundtable in collaboration with Georgetown University focused on opportunities to strengthen connectivity between United States and AP and laid the foundation for investment and trade opportunities between two, informed the CMO sources here at secretariat at Velagapudi.

Rob Schroder, Senior Vice President, International Affairs, US Chamber of Commerce was upbeat on APs promise of rapid economic growth and appreciated Jagan's impressive mandate for unlocking the expansive growth potential. With a strong mandate from the people, Chief Minister will have an opportunity to usher in an era of inclusive growth, rapid development and strategic leadership.

Speaking at the roundtable, Jagan complemented the USIBC for working with the Government of India to identify the '5 big ideas' that will catalyze the US-India Economic Partnership and welcomed the USIBC to work with Government of AP to also identify '5 big ideas' to catalyze the US - AP Economic Partnership.

AP is poised to catalyze investments, capital and partnerships owing to robust infrastructure for connectivity, enabling policies, integration with global value chains, shifting demographic dividend and a ready work force, the Chief Minister added.

Jagan said that the Government of AP and USIBC can prepare a roadmap to achieve investment and trade targets especially in the areas of agriculture and food security, healthcare, education, infrastructure and manufacturing. The Chief Minister also welcomed U.S companies to expand meaningfully their CSR activities in India.

The Chief Minister presented his comprehensive governance and development model, built on nine assurances called 'Navaratnalu' namely support to farmers (Rythu Bharosa), irrigation development (Jala Yagnam), incentives to mother for child education (Amma Vodi), scholarship for higher education, women empowerment (YSR Asara/YSR Cheyutha), social safety net through pensions (Pensionla Pempu), housing for poor (Pedalandariki Illu), quality healthcare for all (Arogyasri) and ban of alcohol.

The Chief Minister is also committed to strengthen the human, physical, natural and financial resources, though the launch of several programs based on a four pronged approach towards transformational governance.

Speaking to global investors, Chief Minister laid his emphasis on delivery of corruption free governance, bringing transparency in procurement and contract management and providing investor friendly experience through one-stop handholding of investors across the implementation lifecycle.

The Chief Minister said that agriculture sector is cross-subsidized and the government will implement self sustainable models to ensure governance and growth for all.

PV Ramesh, Chief Executive Officer, Investment Promotion and Monitoring Authority said that "the Chief Minister has met with over 2.2 billion people to identify and prioritize the SDGs relevant to AP".

The APEDB will have more powers, responsibilities and accountability as IPMA (Investment Promotion and Monitoring Authority)". Dr. Ramesh added.

Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla mentioned that the Chief Minister's decisive victory is a landmark event and will support India's rise into a USD 5 trillion economy.

Irfan Nooruddin, Director of the South Asia Center at the Atlantic Council said that "the council would help AP to engage closely with the private sector on building climate resilience".