ASSOCHAM mulls Knowledge SEZs in AP

Hyderabad, Mar 11 (UNI) The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) proposed to set up ten knowledge Special Economic Zones (SEZs), an equal number of agri-processing Zones and 200 agri-training institutes (ATI) in Andhra pradesh to attract investments.

Addressing a press conference here today, ASSOCHAM President Venugopal N Dhoot said Andhra Pradesh would attract over Rs 1.50 lakh crore investments in the next seven years which would generate direct and indirect employment for five lakh skilled and unskilled workers.

The ASSOCHAM had submitted the blue print for Andhra Pradesh's development to Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

With the creation of knowledge SEZs, the state would become the largest exporters of knowledge products, skilled and trained workers.

He said the ASSOCHAM Southern Development Council would establish link between investors and state agencies to expedite and fructify the proposed and projected invesments in Andhra Pradesh.

Referring to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow during the last six years, he said the state had already absorbed investment to the tune of Rs 5,000 crore because of its massive reform policies and conducive investment climate.

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