From Our Correspondent
Kakinada: District in-charge minister Dr. Ponguru Narayana on Monday laid foundation stones for several new industries across Kakinada district, marking a fresh push to industrial growth under the Chandrababu Naidu government.
At a series of programmes attended by MP Chalamalasetty Uday Srinivas, MLA Kondababu, MLCs and senior officials, the minister inaugurated expansion works of MAT Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. at Kakinada Port, and unveiled foundation plaques for Santoshimata Corrugators at Peddapuram and a Flatted Factory Complex at Tuni.
Speaking at the events, Narayana said no new investor came forward to set up industries in Andhra Pradesh during the past five years, and many local entrepreneurs had migrated to other states. “Investors first look at law and order before committing capital. Unfortunately, the previous administration was marked by disorder, and even foreign investors said as much,” he remarked.
He said the state government was now actively pursuing its election promise of creating 20 lakh jobs, with agreements worth ₹10 lakh crore in investments under negotiation — expected to generate employment for 7.5 lakh people.
“The Chief Minister and Minister Lokesh have just returned from foreign tours to attract major investors. The state’s future depends on industrial development,” Narayana said.
Highlighting the new approach, he said the government was replacing “Ease of Doing Business” with a “Speed of Doing Business” model to fast-track clearances and promote balanced growth across all districts.
He added that policies were being fine-tuned to make Andhra Pradesh an investor-friendly destination with attractive incentives and subsidies. “Kakinada district has immense potential for industrial expansion, and I will ensure all necessary steps are taken for the port’s development,” the minister assured.