Prominent industrialists from the city of destiny have urged BJP’s newly elected state president, Mr PVN Madhav, to immediately look into some of the most pertinent issues being faced by the local industry.

In an interactive meeting conducted today by four of the eminent chambers of commerce in the city, i.e., VCCI, AP Chambers, FAPCCI & HRAAP, captains of industry from across sectors apprised him of some of the most glaring issues plaguing industry for which they sought his urgent attention.

From ports and shipping to pharma to Taxation to Hospitality and Tourism & Mining, stakeholders brought out sector-specific issues that they opined needed quick solutions too.

Dismal road infrastructure was one of the most talked-about issues in the meeting, with many citing heavy traffic, growing congestion, and lack of adequate parking facilities as being a severe hindrance to industrial growth in the city.

One of the senior industry representatives cited the city’s poor road conditions as adversely affecting cargo evacuation to and from the port.

He also called for the immediate segregation of passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles plying on the same road, which he said was paramount from a safety point of view.

Another pertinent issue brought to his notice was the need to have a clear roadmap for road connectivity to the upcoming greenfield airport at Bhogapuram.

“Everyone is talking about the new upcoming airport and all are taking pride in its quick completion, but no one seems to have a plan as to how we will get there,” said a well-known industrialist from the city.

Similarly, the tourism industry representative sought to slash GST rates for star category rooms above Rs 7500 from 18% to 12%.

In addition, they sought Mr Madhav’s help in getting an Indian Tourism office in Vizag, keeping in mind the commercial importance of the city.

Further, they called for more support from the government in boosting medical tourism and overall bringing bigger events to the city.

This, they said, will help hotels get their occupancy rates significantly up. “On average, the city hotels’ occupancy rate is just 67% throughout the year,” noted the industry representative.

In the Pharma sector, a drug license office was requested to be set up in Vizag for the benefit of the vast number of Pharma companies based in the city.

Similarly, many other pressing issues in the Mining sector, MSMEs, Education, Retail, pending incentives and others were brought to the notice of the BJP state president.

Mr Madhav gave the industrialists a patient hearing and appreciated them for apprising him of the eclectic issues.

He hailed the role of industry associations and chambers of commerce in spurring economic activity and assured them of working closely with both the state and central government in resolving these issues at the earliest.