National trade body the Confederation of Indian Industry popularly known as CII has always found a special place in Andhra Pradesh’s chief minister, Mr Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s heart.
The relationship goes back well over 3 decades when Mr Naidu first associated himself with CII and since then have mutually collaborated on various business sessions, industry meetings and overall trade and business dialogues.
This time is no different as Andhra Pradesh under the leadership of Mr Naidu gears up to host the 30th CII partnership summit in the city of destiny and AP’s financial capital, Visakhapatnam.
An industry leader who has been at the centre of all the action is CII Andhra Pradesh’s Chairman, Mr Murali Krishna Gannamani a well-known technocrat & a visionary entrepreneur who has been tirelessly accompanying both the CM and Mr Nara Lokesh, AP’s minister for IT, HRD and RTG to a plethora of road shows both in India & abroad, meeting with eclectic investors and captains of industry leading up to the partnership summit.
In an exclusive and extensive interview to Vizag Industrial Scan, Mr Gannamani, the Managing Director & CEO of Fluentgrid Limited, elaborated on CII’s close association with the government while also spoke on a slew of industry topics ranging from large ticket investments to job creation to AI, keys sectors of growth, partnership summit etc.
CII has been one of the foremost industry bodies in Andhra Pradesh for many decades. How has CII evolved in AP over these years?
CII’s journey in Andhra Pradesh has mirrored the state’s own transformation. From primarily being an agrarian and manufacturing-driven economy, AP has evolved into a vibrant hub for technology, logistics, and renewable energy.
Over the years, CII has transitioned from being a facilitator of industrial growth to becoming a key policy influencer and a trusted partner in the state’s development narrative.
Today, we play a pivotal role in shaping industrial policies, promoting MSMEs, sustainability, and digital transformation, while strengthening linkages between industry, academia, and government.
The relationship between Chief Minister Mr Naidu and CII is rooted in mutual trust and a shared vision for Andhra Pradesh’s progress
Chief Minister Naidu and CII have often shared a special bond going back many years. What according to you makes this bond so special?
The relationship between Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and CII is rooted in mutual trust and a shared vision for Andhra Pradesh’s progress. Since the 1990s, CII has been a consistent partner in the Chief Minister’s mission to modernize governance, attract investments, and foster innovation.
His proactive and reform-oriented approach aligns perfectly with CII’s ethos of competitiveness, sustainability, and inclusive growth. This synergy has made AP a preferred destination for industry and innovation alike.
How would you define the overall mood of the industry since the taking charge of the new government?
The mood is one of optimism and renewed confidence. The industry clearly feels that Andhra Pradesh is back on the fast track. The government’s emphasis on governance reforms, ease and speed of doing business, and infrastructure creation has instilled a strong sense of trust.
There’s a visible uptick in investment inquiries and industry participation in policy dialogues. The Chief Minister’s credibility as a reformer has reassured both domestic and global investors.
The overall mood of Industry today is one of optimism and renewed confidence
There has been a slew of big-ticket investments announced over the past 17-18 months. An estimated USD 120 billion has been proposed in new investments. What as per CII are triggering these big-ticket investments?
True, a slew of big-ticket investments have been announced in the recent past including those from Google, TCS, Arcelor Mittal and BPCL.
There are multiple factors: a stable and visionary government, clarity of policy direction, focus on infrastructure and energy, and an enabling ecosystem for industries to thrive.
The state’s investor-friendly policies, world-class ports, industrial corridors, and upcoming green energy zones are proving to be major attractors.
CII’s sustained efforts in promoting the state through roadshows and global partnerships have also amplified investor confidence.
How important do you feel has the role of CII been in bringing these investments into the state?
CII has played the role of a catalyst and a bridge — connecting government intent with industry potential.
Through sectoral task forces, policy roundtables, and international delegations, we’ve helped investors understand the state’s strengths and connect with local ecosystems.
Our partnership with the government during investment summits and policy consultations has ensured that industry voices are heard and addressed promptly.
Mr Naidu’s credibility as a reformer has reassured both domestic and global investors
Which sectors has CII been strongly advocating to the government to lay special emphasis on?
We’ve identified renewable energy, electric mobility, digital and electronics manufacturing, food processing, maritime logistics, and tourism as high-potential sectors.
Additionally, sunrise sectors such as AI, semiconductor design, and green hydrogen hold great promise.
CII has also been urging the government to strengthen the MSME backbone, as it is the true engine of job creation and regional growth.
The state of Andhra Pradesh has typically had a significant exposure to exports with the USA being one of our top importing nations. With the ongoing trade war with the USA, what measures is CII taking in appeasing AP’s exporters?
CII has been actively working with the Ministry of Commerce and AP government to help exporters diversify their markets, improve compliance standards, and explore newer trade avenues in the EU, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
We’ve also been running export preparedness workshops and helping industries leverage Free Trade Agreements and digital trade facilitation measures to mitigate the impact of global disruptions.
The Chief Minister’s Speed of doing Business philosophy resonates well with industry
We often hear the leadership in the new government lay much emphasis on speed of doing business. Why do you think this matters to corporates?
In today’s competitive environment, speed is everything. Decision-making speed, approvals, land allotment, and clearances directly influence investment outcomes.
The Chief Minister’s “speed of doing business” philosophy resonates with industry because it reduces friction and builds confidence.
It’s not just about rankings — it’s about making AP the state where things actually move faster from intent to execution.
What have been some of the key policy changes that CII has been advocating to the government in order to help industry flourish?
CII has been advocating with Government on various aspects on improving the investment climate like streamlined land and power approvals, and skill development programs that align with future-ready industries.
We’ve also proposed policies to promote cluster-based development, green manufacturing, and digital infrastructure that supports Industry 4.0 adoption across MSMEs.
An issue which industry has been consistently voicing is the release of long pending incentives. The government recently announced part release of these incentives. How has industry reacted?
The industry has welcomed it wholeheartedly. It’s seen as a strong signal that this government listens and acts.
The release of incentives is not just about money — it’s about restoring confidence. It helps industries strengthen their cash flows, reinvest in operations, and retain jobs, particularly in the MSME segment.
CII believes that AI, Quantum Computing, and automation will enhance productivity
Job creation has been an important mandate of the government, which has set an ambitious target of creating 20 lakh jobs. How important is the role of industry in this and is CII advising the government on ways of fostering job creation?
Industry is at the heart of job creation. CII has been collaborating closely with the Skill Development and Industries Departments to ensure that youth are trained in employable skills.
We are promoting apprenticeship programs, fostering startup incubation, and encouraging industries to adopt inclusive employment models.
The new industrial growth will generate both direct and indirect jobs across sectors, especially in manufacturing and services.
With AI and Quantum Computing being given much focus by the government, do you think this will have an adverse impact on jobs?
On the contrary, these technologies will create far more opportunities than they replace.
What’s crucial is re-skilling and up-skilling. CII believes that AI, Quantum Computing, and automation will enhance productivity and create new categories of employment — in data, analytics, cybersecurity, and digital operations.
AP’s pioneering Quantum valley initiative and its focus on building AI labs and centers of excellence is a positive step towards future-proofing our workforce.
As the top CII leader in the state, you have been part of the government’s various roadshows and investor outreach programs leading up to the CII Partnership Summit. What are you hearing from corporates and businesses when you meet & interact with them?
The response has been extremely positive. Most corporates see Andhra Pradesh as a state with strong fundamentals — a skilled workforce, stable governance, industry friendly policies, good infrastructure, and proactive leadership.
They appreciate the openness of the government and the collaborative nature of CII’s engagement. The sentiment is clear: AP is once again emerging as a preferred investment destination in India.
What should people expect from the upcoming CII Partnership Summit, and which sectors do you think would benefit the most?
The CII Partnership Summit will be a landmark platform showcasing Andhra Pradesh’s strengths, investment opportunities, and policy initiatives.
It will bring together policymakers, global investors, industry leaders, and innovators for dialogue, networking, and collaboration.
Sectors expected to gain the most include renewable energy, driven by solar, wind, and green hydrogen initiatives; IT and electronics manufacturing, supported by skilled talent and infrastructure; logistics and maritime industries, leveraging world-class ports and industrial corridors; and food processing and tourism, benefiting from AP’s agricultural and cultural assets.
The Summit aims to catalyze strategic partnerships and long-term investments across these sectors.
Most corporates see Andhra Pradesh as a state with strong fundamentals
The Chief Minister has set a goal of Swarnandhra by 2047. What role do you believe industries, businesses, and organisations like CII have to play in this?
Swarnandhra 2047 envisions a modern, sustainable, and globally competitive Andhra Pradesh. Industries and organizations like CII are key partners in achieving this vision.
By adopting responsible practices, investing in innovation, creating employment, and supporting skill development, businesses can drive inclusive growth.
CII acts as a bridge between government and industry, guiding policy, promoting emerging sectors, and fostering collaborations.
Together, with innovation-led growth, green initiatives, and inclusive strategies, government, industry, and CII can make AP a model of development excellence by 2047.
