Chandrababu Naidu seeks Japanese investments in Andhra Pradesh

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met top executives of companies in Japan and invited investments to Andhra Pradesh.

Agriculture machinery and equipment maker Yanmar Group's Managing Director and General Manager Naoki Kobayashi made a presentation on increasing the yield of rice, nursery plants and other farm techniques, an official release said today.

Kobayashi told the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister that these techniques, if used effectively, would give 50 per cent more profit to farmers.

Incidentally, Yanmar Group recently tied-up with Tamil Nadu-based Murugappa Group, a state government release said here today.

In his presentation, the AP Chief Minister invited the Yanmar Group to set up a manufacturing facility in the state and said that manufacturing in Andhra Pradesh would enable access to all markets in Asia due to the presence of sea ports in the state.

"Our single-window clearance, rapid approvals and 24x7 power are the attractive points," Naidu said, urging Yanmar Group to help the state make agriculture profitable and sustainable, the release said.

In his second meeting for the day, the AP CM met Nidec Corporation Chairman Shihenobu Nagamori.

During his conversation with the AP CM, Nagamori said that it is difficult to do business with India because of red tape and slow processing.

Naidu replied saying that India has changed, both at the Centre as well as the state level and that it would get better in a few years.

The AP CM assured Nagamori, "If you want to start a manufacturing unit in our state, we can give clearances in a week's time. On the eighth day, you can start your business."

He said that Andhra Pradesh has a skilled workforce and relationship between the Centre and the state is strong and harmonious.

Naidu also made a presentation on investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh including a Japanese version of a short film prepared by the Andhra Pradesh government, which was screened on the occasion.