IT's a happening state, says YSR

Hyderabad, Apr 3 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajashekhara Reddy today wooed captains of IT and ITES industry in Bangalore, projecting the state's potential to build a 15 to 20 billion USD hardware manufacturing industry by 2009 and IT and ITES industry of 15 billion USD.

Meeting over 120 top officials of the semiconductor, hardware and software units at a breakfast meeting, Dr Reddy said industrial investment grew exponentially in the state and invited the CEOs to visit the state and study the possibility of investing in the state, an official release here.

Drawing parallel with competitors like China, Ireland, Israel and Philippines, the Chief Minister opined India would continue to dominate the scene as an attractive offshore location with Andhra Pradesh leading the list.

Highlighting the steps taken for the holistic development of the state including the FAB city and Hyderabad International Airport, Dr Reddy pointed out the state had an investor-friendly environment with availablity of right talent, clean and green infrastructure.

The APInvest would be the single point of contact for all investments, he added.

At the APInvest-organised meeting, IT Advisor C S Rao made a presentation highlighting the infrastructural facilities and the support provided by the state government to attract investments to the state.

Several companies, including HCL and Texas Instruments, expressed interest in investing in the state, it added.

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