Mr. Kanna Lakshmi Narayana, Minister for Major Industries
Mr. C R Swaminathan, Chairman, CII Southern Region
Mr. Y Harish Chandra Prasad, Chairman, CII Andhra Pradesh
Mr. Sujith Haridas, Regional Director, CII Southern Region
Mr. S Kannan, Director & Head, CII Andhra Pradesh
Captains from the Industry
Friends and print and electronic media
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is my proud privilege to be present here at the important meeting of the Regional Council Members of CII.

I acknowledge and admire the role of CII in partnering us in various initiatives ranging from business development to investment promotion and social development.

After taking over as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, a few months ago, after the sad demise of our beloved Chief Minister, Late Dr. Y S Rajashekara Reddy garu, I had the privilege to interact with the Industry on two CII platforms – Firstly, at the Green Building Congress and Secondly at the Conference on Natural Gas. Both these issues hold key for the infrastructural development of our country. I must point out that Late Dr.YSR was very dear to CII and during his tenure as Chief Minister he has addressed many of the CII events at all the levels – international, national, regional and local. He was keen to take Andhra Pradesh to the forefront in industrial development. I assure you that I will take forward his agenda for industrial development and extend all the support to the industry in Andhra Pradesh.

I am happy to note that the Green Building concept is picking up well and would certainly take us to a sustainable future in the area of construction and infrastructure. The Government of Andhra Pradesh admires the role of CII in this regard.

Another important area of interest for the Government is to enhance the infrastructure of the State, which would enable greater and larger facilities to the larger public and would also help the State getting more and more investments and business activities. Though the World Bank quotes that Andhra Pradesh is one of the best place to do business, but what I believe is we have the inherent capabilities to stand right on the top and we must achieve it through partnership of all the stakeholders.

Friends, Natural Gas is coming up in a big way in Andhra Pradesh and I am sure it will turn out to be a boon in our growth. Currently India is meeting more than 75% of its crude oil requirement through imports. The KG basin find is a significant step towards achieving energy security for our country.

Friends, I must point out that the Public-Private Partnership in the Power sector has come up very successful and I hope this partnership will lead us to a greater development and growth. With large investment plans announced by private players, it is critical that we in the Government continue our efforts for market development in the sector.

I would like to brief the CII Council Members that the Industrial Growth is among the top priority for Government of Andhra Pradesh and would like to extend all the support required. I understand that the Industry in Andhra Pradesh was concerned at the recent developments on law and order front.  Let me assure you that my Government would do its best to ensure that investment climate in the State is not disturbed.

I must also acknowledge the fact that CII has been providing valuable inputs to the Government on various issues relating to the Industry and the Economy. We did receive the ‘CII AP Economic Agenda for the Government of Andhra Pradesh’ and the recommendations were well received and few of them were also considered in my Budget presentation.

I am happy to note that presently the economy is on a recovery path as the industrial production index and the consumer index are signaling growth in the economy.

With this note, I wish this meeting a great success and I am sure this meeting will enhance industry relations in this region.

I once again thank CII for inviting me to address at this important meeting.    I wish CII Andhra Pradesh a happy Annual Day Celebrations on 13th March.

 Thank you.