The Hindu Business Line : AP working on aerospace SEZ, foundry park

Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd (APIIC) is in the process of setting up a special economic zone (SEZ) for aerospace industries focussing on MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) near the upcoming Greenfield International airport.

The State has applied to the Centre for clearance of the proposal as many companies have evinced interest in locating such units in the State. Land near Nadragul and Adabatla has been identified for the SEZ and the APIIC, which is the nodal agency, may invest up to Rs 250 core in the project, once the Centre's clearance is received. The matter is slated to come up in the next meeting.

While the project will require about 500 acres, Mr Kota Harinarayana, former Director of LCA project, will be the advisor for this SEZ.

Science city

Speaking at a meeting hosted by the small-scale industries (SSIs), the Chief Minister, Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy, said the State had plans to establish a Science City about 100 km from Bangalore City in the Anantapur district, which would be spread across a 1,000-acre area, and a Foundry Park, at Lakdaram in Medak near Hyderabad.

It is estimated that there are about 1,000 SSIs which could contribute to the automotive industry and the APIIC is in the process of identifying about 200 acres for the Foundry Park and invest about Rs 100 crore. This would potentially help attract automotive companies to the State, it is felt.

Earlier, handing over awards to some of the successful entrepreneurs in the State, Dr Reddy said SSIs have contributed significantly to the growth of several sectors in the State and have traditionally helped generate employment.

SSIs need special care and support and that the State would do its best to help them, both by providing necessary infrastructure and also bring down power tariffs.

Already, the State has brought down power tariff to the industrial consumers and plans to bring it down further from April 1, 2007, aimed at providing an attractive investment climate, he said.

The State Industries and Commerce Secretary, Ms Y. Sreelakshmi, said the State is working towards a cluster development approach for SSIs and is close to finalising a marketing policy framework for SSIs.

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