Government hopes Outreach success will trigger flow of investments

Amaravati: The state government is expecting that the investments will flow to AP as the just concluded Diplomatic Outreach initiative seems to be successful in more than one way. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was cynosure of the delegates with his proclamations of honesty and appeals for their help to develop the state. Even after conclusion of one day programme, the Chief Minister interacted with the delegates on Saturday at his residence.

Delegates cutting across continents have expressed confidence in the Chief Minister and about his style of functioning and have given assurances of possible investment in the new state in manufacturing, pharma, energy, IT, food processing, bio-technology and other fields.

There were enquiries from Germany and OPEC (Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries) nations as well which are expected to be resulted in big ventures in the state. Denmark Consul General Jette Bierum said that her country has great interest in maritime solutions besides ports and will work in areas of mutual interest.

"When we had an exclusive talk, the Chief Minister sounded very positive and honest and his presentation has been very impressive," the CM's Office quoted her in a statement on Saturday.

"We understand the needs, expectations and interests of Danish companies and that of the people of Andhra Pradesh as well. I am very much impressed with the Chief Minister's assurance of one point (single window) contact and there is scope for building partnerships in SMEs and the PPPs,'' said Jette Bierum.

The Indonesian Council General Ade Sukender said the trade relations between the two nations go back a long time and there would be scope for investment in palm oil, coal, agri products, rice, garlic, sugarcane, chilli and other products.

Botswana High Commissioner Lesego Motsumi said that the Chief Minister's assurances have put the proposed partnerships on a win-win situation and are mutually beneficial.

"We have interest in textile, pharma and allied fields. The economic engagement with the state will be encouraging and the assurance of corruption-free governance is a welcome sign," she said. Motsumi said her country was known for its diamond reserves and diamond polishing units could be a potential area for cooperation. There is also scope for medical tourism in AP, she said.

Turkmenistan representative has shown interest in investments in agriculture, fertilisers and textiles while Sri Lankan High Commissioner said that there was scope for expansion of Brandix, which now has a special zone in Vizag.

Deputy High Commissioner of United Kingdom Andrew Fleming said that his country would be interested in electric vehicles. Fleming tweeted on his Twitter handle that, "Following our meeting with Chief Minister yesterday, my Prosperity lead, Ridhima Peravali, and I had a good discussion with Chief Secretary, L.V. Subrahmanyam. We look forward to a further session with him and a wider team before the end of the month."

He further added, "A chance for a further discussion with chief minister on Saturday, allowed a more detailed insight of his ambitious plans for education and healthcare and an opportunity for me to expand on the UK and India TechPartnership & our Prosperity work".

In all, eight ambassadors, four High Commissioners, 13 Consul Generals, two Trade Commissioners and one Deputy Consul General, Charge DE 'Affairs, Technical Director and Trade Attaché have attended the event from 25 countries.