Destination Andhra: Ficci's new keyword

Destination Andhra' has become the new keyword for the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci).

It now proposes to showcase the strengths of Andhra Pradesh as the manufacturing destination in the field of pharmaceuticals, IT, biotechnology and also agriculture to both domestic and foreign investors by holding roadshows.

"Andhra Pradesh should now prepare towards achieving a higher trajectory growth in the IT sector apart from emerging as the hub for horticulture, floriculture and logistics sectors," Ficci president Onkar S Kanwar said in an informal chat with newspersons on the eve of the Ficci national executive committee meeting.

Kanwar feels that AP can also become a logistic hub and the Visakhapatnam port could as well transform into another 'Jebel Ali', which is a free trade zone in UAE.

Making a power-point presentation at the Ficci executive meeting on Monday, Kanwar, described Andhra as a veritable 'Akshaya Patra' of horticulture produce and said that the state has the potential to lead India's exports of horticulture produce.

In this connection, he suggested to the state government to focus on development of distribution of hybrid vegetable seeds, provide specialised infrastructure at major production centres and market yards, promote contract farming, bring cultivable wasteland under horticulture, set up more agri export zones and make farmers understand the import practices and consumer preferences.

The presentation suggested the government to tap its inherent potential in rice, poultry, dairy, sugarcane and tobacco production to increase the rural incomes.

In the pharmaceutical sector, Ficci's growth agenda for the state includes moving from process to product patent and progressive liberalisation of the health insurance sector.

Pharmacity which is coming up in Visakhapatnam has been viewed as a step towards consolidating Andhra Pradesh place as the largest bulk drug producer in the country.

Ficci also suggested to the state government to make special efforts in textile and leather sectors which are having high export as well as employment potential.

Apart from asking the government to concentrate on infrastructure, institutions and investments, the national body for industry and commerce also stressed on the need to strengthen public-private partnership in important endeavours to boost industrial development in the state.