Industrial-Logistics Corridor connecting coastal ports of Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Krishnapatnam: CM Naidu

VIJAYWADA : Chief Minister Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu has stated that an industrial-logistics corridor will be developed by connecting the coastal ports of Kakinada, Machilipatnam and Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Along with linking these ports, a world-class oil refinery will also be established near them, he said.

Naidu, currently on a visit to Singapore along with a team of ministers and officials, expressed his desire for participation of companies there in Andhra Pradesh’s industrial push as global partners. The delegation visited the prestigious Jurong Petrochemical Island on the third day of his visit on Tuesday.

Singapore haserected an integrated petrochemicals plant and energy centre on this island, which was created through land reclamation from the sea.

The AP delegation was warmly received by Surbana Jurong’s deputy director Teo Eng Keat and chief executive Andie Lee. They briefed the delegation on the crude oil processing system at the petrochemical centre, along with the production of polymers, fuels and speciality chemicals.

The Jurong Petrochemical Island authorities stated that approximately 3,000 hectares of sea had been converted into land to develop the hub, which meets international standards.

The prestigious project was developed under a public-private partnership model. The delegation was informed that, apart from the main industrial facilities, the island also includes a waste management plant and a comprehensive security system.

Naidu and his team of ministers met CEOs of various companies to discuss maritime cooperation. The meeting featured discussions on maritime operations and infrastructure development in AP. As part of the government’s comprehensive development strategy, the CM highlighted the state’s focused efforts on port development and the establishment of port-based industries.

He also pointed out that Andhra Pradesh has a 1,053km-long coastline, with 6 operational ports and 4 more ports in the pipeline.

Naidu said, “Reducing logistics costs is a key priority for our government and the state is also exploring the development of dry ports and inland water transport to boost cargo movement. AP is prioritising tourism and there is immense potential for cruise tourism along the AP coast.” He assured investors that the government would provide complete support to industries that come with investment proposals.

“Five ports are within close proximity to Sri City,” Naidu said, and discussed with the CEOs the emerging investment opportunities in the East Coast region, along with the development of new ports. Urging the investors to consider this as the right time to invest along the coast, he encouraged them to study the state’s investor-friendly policies and the incentives on offer.

The chief minister said Andhra Pradesh has changed gears to increase the speed of doing business and assured investors of complete support for their investments.

“Our officials would be readily accessible to industry representatives. The state administration is fully prepared to assist prospective investors. There would be no delays in granting approvals, and in case of any, a ‘Deemed to be Approved’ policy would be implemented,” he said.

Ministers Nara Lokesh, P Narayana, and TG Bharat, along with senior officials from Andhra Pradesh, accompanied the CM during the visits.