Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has responded favourably to the appeals made by the members of Andhra Pradesh Chamber of of Commerce and Industry Federation, who submitted a representation to her on the key projects pending implementation in different parts of the State.
Along with BJP MP G.V.L. Narasimha Rao, the federation members including its president Potluri Bhaskar Rao and general secretary B. Rajasekhar, met Ms. Sitharaman at a hotel in Vijayawada on October 23 (Monday) and brought to her notice pending projects that need immediate attention. BJP State president D. Purandeswari was also present.
The members drew the Minister’s attention to the need for early completion of the six industrial nodes proposed in the three industrial corridors, rapid completion of the three multi-model integrated logistics parks proposed for the State and effective measures to support development of port-led economy.
They requested the Centre’s permission for “one-time restructuring of bank term loans to the MSMEs,” with simple terms, to simplify the credit rating and CIBIL scores of the MSMEs, address the issue of delayed payments and the mandatory procurement for MSMEs, etc.
A statement issued by the Chambers said the Minister responded favourably to their pleas.
Referring to a plea for restoration and increase in domestic and international air connectivity from Vijayawada and a provision for cargo facilities with cold storage facilities at all the airports across the State, they said that Ms. Sitharaman agreed to find a solution to Visakhapatnam airport runway resurfacing issue without disturbing the flight schedules.
Vande Bharat sleeper trains
The members also requested the Union Finance Minister for the introduction of the proposed Vande Bharat sleeper trains from Vijayawada to New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc., as there was no long-distance trains originating from Vijayawada.
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Referring to the food processing sector, they said campuses of premier research institutes such as CFTRI, IIFT, NIFTEC could be set up in the State to support the processing industry. They appealed for the removal of GST on naturally dried chillies and on raw cotton procured by the ginning industry, reduction of GST from 12% to 5% for budget hotels, establishment of an Oil Palm Board for the State, setting up of bulk drug park and reduction of TCS on overseas travel to boost tourism.
Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) Andhra Pradesh Chapter president Lakshmi Prasad, All-India Chilli Exporters’ Association president Velagapudi Sambasiva Rao, A.P. MSME Association’s honorary president Bayana Venkatrao, CREDAI’s State chapter president Ramana Rao, A.P. Hotels’ Association president R.V. Swamy, Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India’s A.P. Chapter president Radhika and others were present.
