AP on cusp of logging in better industrial growth

​Amaravati: Vijay Naidu Galla, Vice Chairman, CII Andhra Pradesh, believes that the residual Andhra Pradesh is now on the cusp of logging in better industrial growth, driven by the double-digit economic growth the Telugu state has been clocking in the past few years.

“Andhra Pradesh has put bifurcation blues and challenges behind it and is now at a tipping point from where it can attract more investments and register higher industrial growth. The double-digit economic growth that the State is clocking now will tilt scales in its favour,” Galla told The Hans India on the sidelines of Happy Cities Summit Amaravati 2019 being organised by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) in association with CII here.

Pointing out that Andhra Pradesh lacked industrial activity post bifurcation as most of the industries located around Hyderabad which went to Telangana, he said: “Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu could convince investors to set up units in the State. The government’s continued follow-up action also paid rich dividends,” he said.

He further stated that several educational institutes established their campuses here and the government also improved ease of doing business in which the State ranked first. “We have skilled talent, engineers now. The Government has initiated proactive policies. Therefore, a right platform is set for the State to attract more investments, going forward,” he said.

Galla also maintained that the Government was doing a right thing by making Amaravati, the new capital city, ‘a happening place’. “Amaravati will also attract lots of investments, mostly services sector. That’s what I feel,” he observed. According to him, Andhra Pradesh has already attracted very good industrial projects which are capable of generating new jobs and employment.

“Most importantly, Kia Motors plant in Anantapur which is mother of all projects the State has got so far. The plant will spur the development of auto ancillary units in Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati has now turned into an electronics manufacturing hub with several new units starting production. Visakapatnam is fast turning into an information technology hub while Sri City has attracted many new units,” he said.

Asked whether Andhra Pradesh would succeed in attracting investments in the IT sector given the fact that Hyderabad, a global IT hub, is close-by, he pointed out that same doubts were raised about the proximity of Bengaluru when united AP started developing IT sector in Hyderabad. “Andhra Pradesh can carve a niche for itself in the IT sector by focusing on new technologies like artificial intelligence, drones, etc,” he said.

Galla, also president-QMS, HSE & CI, Mangal Industries, a part of Tirupati-based Amara Raja Group, said the diversified group had made large investments in the State. “Our group has invested large amounts in the last four years, thereby creating 3000-4000 new jobs,” he said, adding that the group will make more investments n Amaravati area. On the upcoming elections in the State, he expressed confidence that policies would continue “irrespective of who wins the elections”.

“However, in my opinion, the existing dispensation will retain power as it has developed the State and taken up several welfare measures. It’s still work in progress and the present government will come back. Moreover, people are smart and they know what they want”.