APNRTS targets stronger export links and overseas opportunities for Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society is focusing on strengthening the state’s export ecosystem and connecting its overseas membership with economic opportunities in Andhra Pradesh, its president, Vemuru Ravi Kumar, said. APNRTS has about 2.1 lakh members across 148 countries and nearly 900 coordinators worldwide. Its activities include welfare support, legal assistance, emergency aid and economic empowerment, but Ravi Kumar said export development was currently the organisation’s main priority.

One initiative aims to train non-resident Indians to become international traders. Nearly 6,000 people have enrolled, while about 120 have completed training. The three-day programme covers international trade procedures, precautions, commodities traded between Andhra Pradesh and other countries, suppliers, buyers and prevailing prices.

Ravi Kumar said Andhra Pradesh’s share of India’s exports remained limited despite the state’s coastline, ports and production of exportable goods. He also said commodities such as chilli and turmeric were sometimes shipped through ports outside Andhra Pradesh, and argued that the state’s ports needed to become more attractive to exporters and traders. APNRTS is proposing an investment fund for non-resident Indians who want exposure to India and Andhra Pradesh but lack the expertise or structure to invest.

Ravi Kumar said the proposed professionally managed fund would focus mainly on infrastructure and growth opportunities, with an emphasis on the state. The organisation is also developing a model for overseas employment. Under the proposal, demand for workers would be gathered through APNRTS’s international network, while the state government would train people according to that demand.

Overseas members could help identify requirements and place trained candidates, preferably from Andhra Pradesh. APNRTS also wants to build a network of Andhra-origin chief executives and senior professionals abroad. Its existing CXO club has about 300 to 400 members but has yet to gain significant momentum.

The society is additionally setting up a venture capital fund. For welfare support, APNRTS provides legal assistance through a police cell operating under the Crime Investigation Department. Since 2018, non-resident Indians have been able to file a zero FIR without travelling to Andhra Pradesh.