VIJAYAWADA: The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) and Atlantic Council’s South Asia Centre held an exclusive roundtable business discussion with AP Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, at Washington DC, on Friday.
This exclusive discussion in collaboration with Georgetown University focused on opportunities to strengthen connectivity between the United States and Andhra Pradesh and laid the foundation for investment and trade opportunities between Andhra Pradesh and the United States.
US Chamber of Commerce, International Affairs, Senior Vice President Rob Schroder was upbeat on Andhra Pradesh’s promise of rapid economic growth and appreciated Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s impressive mandate for unlocking the expansive growth potential of Andhra Pradesh.
With a strong mandate from the people of Andhra Pradesh, the AP CM will have an opportunity to usher in an era of inclusive growth, rapid development and strategic leadership for Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking to global investors, Mr Reddy laid his emphasis on delivery of corruption-free governance, bringing transparency in procurement, contract management and in providing investor-friendly experience through one-stop handholding of investors across the implementation lifecycle.
Speaking on the occasion, the AP Chief Minister said that he understands the needs and sentiments of businesses and assured that highest transparency will be accorded. Mr Reddy said that trust is an important factor and industry will thrive if transparent measures are implemented.
The Chief Minister said that agricultural sector is cross-subsidised and the government will implement self sustainable models to ensure governance and growth for all. Mr Reddy complemented the USIBC for working with the Government of India to identify the ‘Five Big Ideas’ that will catalyse the US-India Economic Partnership and welcomed the USIBC to work with the Government of Andhra Pradesh also to identify ‘Five Big Ideas’ to catalyse the US - Andhra Pradesh Economic Partnership”.
“Andhra Pradesh is poised to catalyse 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.
Mr Reddy said that the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the 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 the US companies to expand meaningfully their CSR activities in India.
The Chief Minister presented his comprehensive governance and development model, built on nine assurances called ‘Navara-tnalu’ to support 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 on alcohol.
The Chief Minister is also committed to strengthen the human, physical, natural and financial resources, through the launch of several programmes based on a four-pronged approach towards transformational governance. Investment Promotion and Monitoring Authority CEO Dr P.V. Ramesh said: “The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has met over 2.2 billion people to identify and prioritise the SDGs relevant to Andhra Pradesh.”
“The Chief Minister’s emphasis is 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 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 land mark event and that he will support India’s rise into a $5 trillion economy.
Director of the South Asia Centre at the Atlantic Council Irfan Nooruddin said: “The council would help Andhra Pradesh to engage closely with the private sector on building climate resilience.”
