Naidu contemplates a new body for overseas marketing of AP

Naidu contemplates a new body for overseas marketing of AP
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

HYDERABAD, OCT 15: After emerging as a cynosure of Information Technology industry, the Andhra Pradesh Government is contemplating putting in place an institutional mechanism to market the state internationally and attract foreign investments in core sectors.

``We are thinking of setting up a body for oversees marketing of our investment potential,'' the state Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu told PTI in an interview here today on the eve of his forthcoming ten-day visit to Japan, China and Hong Kong.

Asked whether the proposal also includes appointing lobbyists abroad to tap investments, he said the modalities were still being worked out and the aim of the exercise was to ``consolidate the goodwill that the state has generated among foreign investors and convert it into actual investment flow''.

``The scope and structure of the institution will be finalised on my return,'' said Naidu, who is embarking on a foreign tour on Oct 17 to showcase AP'S Investment opportunities, particularly in the fields of Information Technology, Automobiles and Electronics.

Naidu, who has earned the sobriquet ``CEO of AP Inc'' for infusing corporate work culture in the state administration and introducing wide-ranging economic reforms, said he would market the state in an ``aggressive and professional manner'' and would further simplify procedures to create investment-friendly atmosphere.

Naidu said efforts were on to further streamline the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB), an apex body under his chairmanship, to serve as a single-window clearance cell for mega projects, to create a hassle-free climate for investments.

The visit of US President Bill Clinton here early this year was a major milestone in the state's journey towards emergence as a favoured investment destination as it reflected growing international appreciation of his government's track-record, the Chief Minister said.

Naidu, who earlier this week, completed one year in office in his second stint as Chief Minister, said his single most important achievement had been heradling a new work culture and a change in the administrative mind-set.

``During my earlier stint, I had introduced a lot of innovations in the way the government functions and reforms touching key areas. I am now keen on consolidating them,'' Naidu said.

The massive computerisation of the administration, powersector reforms, removal of discretionary powers of government in several areas, people-centred developmental programmes like ``Janmabhoomi'', application of IT in citizen services areas and involvement of Self-Help Groups in the management of irrigation, education and health have been among major initiatives taken up by the Naidu government.