Visakhapatnam: Chairman of the Japan Research Institute (JRI), Kenji Hiramatsu, met Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and informed that Japanese companies are keen to establish an industrial cluster in Andhra Pradesh. He said Japanese companies would be willing to explore setting up these clusters near Anantapur or Visakhapatnam.
Hiramatsu explained that JRI is currently working with the Indian Council for International Economic Research (ICRIER) and highlighted the strategic economic partnership between Japan and India in the areas of trade and logistics.
He informed the Chief Minister that Japanese companies were investing in the $100-billion Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, with the Japan Research Institute playing a key role in facilitating such investments.
He said JRI was considering the development of an industrial cluster in Andhra Pradesh on the lines of the successful Sri City SEZ model. He also expressed interest in supporting infrastructure development for maritime growth, including the establishment of shipbuilding clusters.
JRI is ready to work closely with the Andhra Pradesh Government in preparing investor-ready industrial blueprints, he said. Hiramatsu also informed the Chief Minister that the institute was considering organising an AP-Japan Business Summit in Amaravati soon.
Responding positively, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said Andhra Pradesh was ready to work in partnership with Japan and urged Japanese companies to explore the vast investment opportunities and resources available in the State.
Proposal to Launch Cocoa Mission in Partnership with Mondelez India:Earlier Mondelez India Foods Pvt Ltd President Sameer Jain and team meet Chief Minister and discussed on the expansion of Mondelez's plant at Sri City, promotion of cocoa cultivation in the State and generation of local employment opportunities.
The meeting reviewed earlier decisions regarding the expansion of Mondelez's chocolate manufacturing facility at Sri City and the steps required to take the project forward.
Company representatives informed the Chief Minister that work was underway to increase the production capacity of the chocolate unit by 90 per cent with an investment of ₹1,800 crore. Upon completion, the Sri City facility is expected to become one of the largest chocolate manufacturing plants in the world.
The Chief Minister assured the company of the State Government's full support in providing the necessary infrastructure and other assistance for the expansion.
He said promoting cocoa cultivation, which is already widespread in Andhra Pradesh, would significantly benefit farmers.
The Chief Minister advised Mondelez to source the raw materials required for its products locally. He explained that local procurement would generate additional income for farmers and DWCRA (self-help group) women in the respective regions.
He urged the company to procure cocoa, dairy products and packaging materials from manufacturers within the State. He particularly emphasised creating more employment and job opportunities for local people in the packaging industry.
The Chief Minister also called for directly integrating local farmers and self-help group women into the company's supply chain and procuring milk, sugar and other agricultural produce locally, thereby strengthening the rural economy.
Company representatives briefed the Chief Minister on the skill training programmes being provided to local youth. Chandrababu Naidu appreciated Mondelez for its skill development initiatives and assured the company's representatives of the Government's full support in further strengthening the skilled workforce to meet local industrial requirements.
The Chief Minister proposed launching a Cocoa Mission in partnership with Mondelez to promote cocoa cultivation in the State and sought the company's cooperation in the initiative.
He proposed expanding cocoa cultivation by 10,000 hectares every year, with a target of achieving an annual production of 50,000 metric tonnes by 2040.
He also suggested exploring the establishment of a Cocoa Centre of Excellence and R&D Hub in Tirupati, in collaboration with agricultural universities, to promote scientific cultivation practices and improve cocoa quality.
The Mondelez delegation responded positively to the proposals made by the Chief Minister.
