Naidu Says MSMEs Key to AP’s Industrial Ecosystem
Naidu stressed on the need to reduce logistics costs, noting that rail transport is significantly cheaper than road transport.
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday said micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) would play a crucial role in the emerging industrial ecosystem of Andhra Pradesh, particularly when large-scale investments are flowing into manufacturing, data centres, and advanced technology sectors.
Addressing the Seventh District Collectors’ Conference at the Secretariat in Amaravati, he asked collectors to function as mentors in implementing best administrative practices across sectors.
The AP CM reviewed the performance of various departments and issued directions on investment grounding, industrial development, health, renewable energy, logistics and rural infrastructure.
He went on to disclose that local body elections in AP would be conducted soon.
Naidu instructed officials to ensure that industries proposing investments in the state do not face hurdles in land allotment. He directed the Registration department to clear APIIC lands falling under Section 22A from the prohibited list to facilitate industrial projects.
Emphasising branding and value addition, the Chief Minister said products manufactured in Andhra Pradesh should evolve into national and global brands on the lines of Araku Coffee. He noted that India spends large amounts on imported products and said strengthening local manufacturing and branding would help retain economic value within the state.
He said investments in Google Cloud AI Hub and data centres have already attracted manufacturing units, such as Carrier AC to Andhra Pradesh. He maintained that the upcoming quantum computing ecosystem in Amaravati would create opportunities for MSMEs as ancillary industries.
Naidu stressed on the need to reduce logistics costs, noting that rail transport is significantly cheaper than road transport. He said major infrastructure projects, including 64 national highway works worth over ₹1 lakh crore and 624 railway projects worth ₹64,000 crore, are under execution, while projects worth nearly ₹2 lakh crore are in the DPR stage.
The CM announced setting up of 15 labour hubs across Andhra Pradesh to support unorganised workers. These hubs will offer skill development training to the labour, so that they can become employable and also earn higher wages.
On public health, he said focus should shift towards preventive healthcare. He directed officials to prepare district-wise health indicators. He ordered integration of rooftop solar systems under PM Kusum with solarisation of government buildings.
Naidu called for improved waste management, sanitation, and increased green cover, while cautioning officials to prepare for possible rainfall variations linked to El Niño conditions.
