The Andhra Pradesh Government is making its policies more industry friendly, according to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the BioAsia 2012 here on Thursday, he said Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh had the best infrastructure in the country.

“Hyderabad has again become best destination for investments,” he said.

Dr J. Geetha Reddy, Minister for Industries, Government of Andhra Pradesh said the State was emerging as a hub for “all kinds of businesses.”

Dr Krishna Ella, Managing Director, Bharat Biotech, requested the Government to set up a panel on pollution norms for the biotech industry.

Prof Tissa Vitarana, Senior Minister for Science and Technology, Sri Lanka, said biotechnology had potential to eradicate many diseases and was contributing to significantly to heathcare.

Investor-friendly: The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, presenting the Genome Valley Award at Bio-Asia in Hyderabad on Thursday to Mr Kevin Ali, President, Emerging Markets, Merck. At the right is Ms J. Geeta Reddy, Minister for Major Industries. — Photo: P. V. Sivaku / Business Line

Dr K.V. Raghavan, Vice-President, Federation of Asian Biotech Associations, said the Indian biotech industry had crossed over $3 billion in 2010-2011.

Referring to biotech industry growth the State, he said the Genome Valley near Hyderabad had over 100 biotech units.

The Chief Minister presented the Genome Valley Excellence Award to Dr Seth Berkley, Chief Executive Officer, GAVI Alliance, Geneva and Mr Kevin Ali, President, Emerging Markets, Merck, USA.

The three-day event is being attended by about 250 companies and delegates from 35 countries.

source: http://www.TheHinduBusinessLine.com / Industry & Economy> Economy / our Bureau / February 09th, 2012