Andhra Pradesh Focuses on Ports and Airports to Boost MSME Exports

The Government of Andhra Pradesh is prioritizing logistics infrastructure, aiming to connect ports and airports to drive exports and support the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector.

Kondapalli Srinivas, Minister for MSME, SERP, and NRI Relations & Empowerment, stated that the State plans to establish a seaport every 150 km and an airport every 200 km along key growth corridors. Speaking at the 116th Annual General Meeting of the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday, the Minister detailed the current state of infrastructure development.

According to the Minister, Andhra Pradesh currently features six operational ports alongside four more under construction, bringing the total pipeline to approximately ten ports. This network is intended to streamline the export of finished products and the import of raw materials for local businesses.

In tandem with maritime logistics, the State is expanding aviation connectivity. The objective is to provide businesses with access to an airport within a distance of 150 to 200 km.

As part of its industrial strategy, the Rayalaseema region—situated between Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai—is being promoted as a "golden triangle" tailored for automobile and other manufacturing industries.

During the event, outgoing Chamber President Arun Alagappan referenced the national focus on regional growth driving overall economic development. Alagappan put forward several recommendations for the State government, including hosting an India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Conclave in Visakhapatnam, organizing MSME financial clinics across major cities, and leading business delegations to key international markets such as Germany, Israel, and the United States.

"Logistics and supply chain efficiency are critical determinants of success for MSMEs looking to scale beyond domestic boundaries. Andhra Pradesh's targeted approach to improving maritime and aviation infrastructure directly addresses the cost and time barriers faced by regional manufacturers. By positioning logistics hubs closer to industrial clusters like the Rayalaseema region, the State is building a strong foundation for export-led growth. For entrepreneurs and business owners operating in this ecosystem, leveraging these upcoming transport corridors can significantly optimize supply chain operations and open up international markets." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes