Trade Fairs, Expos To Boost AP Economy: Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu delivered the keynote address at the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) seminar at the HITEX Convention Centre on Saturday.

Speaking at the seminar, the Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh would have trade fairs that would provide a platform to entrepreneurs who can showcase their goods and services as well as interact with stakeholders from different sectors of the economy.

He said trade fairs and exhibitions were perfect opportunities for cities, states and countries to boost their economies. Giving an example, he said that even a small state like Niger (in Africa) had managed to grow its economy by organizing trade fairs. Every year trade fairs boosted German economic output by 23.5 billion Euros, he added, and that they also ensured 226,000 people had full-time jobs.

"It is our belief that with a more cohesive integration of and interaction between all sectors of AP's economy, we will be able to fast-track our state's quest for sustainable economic development," he said, adding, "This will affirm the recognition of AP as a fast-growing economy (within India) with various investment opportunities. Our trade fairs will focus on the promotion and development of indigenous and international trade involving our state to increase the volume of trade and boost activities of industrialization, which we believe is critical to achieving a sustainable economic transformation."

"In our aim to make AP a skill and knowledge hub, we wish to hold trade fairs which will contribute significantly to catapulting the State's economy into the big league. This plan includes establishing several world-class convention centres which will address the needs of all stakeholders for the next 20 years," he added.

Recalling his efforts in building "Brand Hyderabad" during his administration between 1995 and 2004, the Chief Minister said that he had successfully created many architectural trademarks in this vibrant city. Two such wonders were the Hitex Convention Centre (HICC) and the Cyber Towers, which was now synonymous with brand Cyberabad, he said.

He revealed how he had, as the Chief Minister of united AP, scrupulously replicated the best development models from various countries in Hyderabad, keeping the demographics in mind.

The Chief Minister said that trade fairs, exhibitions and cultural events would be utilized as channels through which the benefits of growth could reach all the citizens. (INN)