MSMEs’ role key in economic growth: Min

Minister for MSME, SERP, and NRI Empowerment & Relations, Kondapalli Srinivas, has reaffirmed the crucial role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in generating employment and driving economic growth in Andhra Pradesh. Speaking at a one-day workshop on “Empowering MSMEs for Export-Led Growth and Innovation” in Visakhapatnam, he highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering MSME development through sustained policy initiatives.
The Minister emphasised that the Swarna Andhra 2047 vision document incorporates 10 core strategies aimed at enhancing MSME competitiveness and expansion. He pointed out the policy continuity that has facilitated industrial growth, citing the Single Window Act introduced in 2001 as a key reform that has streamlined industrial permits. This policy has significantly contributed to Andhra Pradesh’s top ranking in Ease of Doing Business (EODB).
The Minister also highlighted the State’s impressive export performance, revealing that Andhra Pradesh achieved exports valued at Rs 1,63,000 crore during the 2023-24 fiscal year.
To further stimulate exports, the government is committed to promoting product standardisation and enhancing global competitiveness. Srinivas stressed that the “Swarna Andhra 2047” initiative is aligned with the Central Government’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” roadmap, focusing on grassroots industrial development to ensure long-term economic sustainability.
Tammireddy Siva Sankara Rao, Chairman of the AP MSME Development Corporation, commended the resilience of the State’s entrepreneurs and reaffirmed the government’s pledge to support export-oriented growth through simplified regulations.
Sanjeeth Singh, an advisor at NITI Aayog and keynote speaker, acknowledged Andhra Pradesh’s progressive, technology-driven governance since 2001 and its globally competitive business community. He underlined the critical need for ongoing innovation, skills development, and accessible finance to accelerate MSME expansion.
Vishwa M, CEO of the AP MSME Development Corporation, detailed the State’s strategic measures to support MSMEs, emphasising the importance of workshops like this in addressing specific industry challenges and promoting inclusive economic growth.
Panel discussions involving senior government officials highlighted the importance of enhancing infrastructure, skills training, and innovation to strengthen the industrial landscape. They also stressed the need for rapid solutions to MSME hurdles, including power tariffs, land conversion, and regulatory approvals.
Attendees called for the creation of export hubs, the adoption of digital technologies, wider market access, and centralised resources to support MSME operations. Industry representatives advocated for increased government procurement from MSMEs and suggested the establishment of an interdepartmental task force to expedite export approvals.
District Collector MN Harendhira Prasad, VMRDA Commissioner K Viswanathan, and AP Food Processing Society CEO Dr. Sekhar Babu Geddam offered valuable perspectives on creating a thriving industrial environment for MSMEs in Andhra Pradesh. Their contributions reinforced the necessity for a unified policy framework to promote economic resilience and long-term development.