AP govt unveils blueprint to accelerate ports-led industrialisation

Vijayawada: The govt has unveiled an ambitious blueprint to accelerate port-led industrialisation and position the state as a globally competitive and sustainable manufacturing hub. With a strong coastline and strategic location along the country's eastern coast, the govt is prioritising the development of non-major ports and integrated industrial corridors to drive exports, employment and regional balance.The upcoming ports at Ramayapatnam, Mulapeta, and Machilipatnam are aimed at boosting maritime trade and logistics capacity. In addition, Kakinada SEZ port is being developed under the PPP model to enhance infrastructure and services. Finance minister P Keshav allocated ₹150 crore for Machilipatnam port, ₹100 crore each for Ramayapatnam and Bhavanapadu ports, and ₹50 crore for Kakinada SEZ port, taking the total proposed allocation for ports to ₹563 crore. Parallel investments are being made in fishing harbours and fish landing centres to strengthen the marine economy and support coastal livelihoods. Keshav said the govt aims to transform the state into a globally competitive production hub through large-scale employment generation, improved living standards, and enhanced exports. "Policy 4.0 frameworks are being implemented across sectors to attract investments and promote sustainable growth. Focus sectors include food and agro-processing, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, textiles and apparel, electronics, electric vehicles, IT and healthcare. Major infrastructure initiatives such as the Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) and the East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC) are being strengthened with plug-and-play clusters offering ready-to-use infrastructure for MSMEs. The govt is also building a multi-modal transport network to integrate seamlessly with global supply chains," the finance minister said. Mentioning that green and smart industrial parks with clean energy components are being promoted, along with incentives such as interest subsidies, power concessions, and SGST reimbursements, Keshav said the Centre's NICDC initiative will help establish strategic industrial clusters in the state. "Support is also being leveraged from the ministry of MSME under MSE-CDP and from the directorate general of foreign trade to create district export hubs. Special emphasis is being laid on developing industries in backward and tribal regions and partnering with agencies for workforce training, ensuring inclusive and balanced regional development across the state," he added.