Andhra Pradesh government today announced the Retail Trade Policy 2015-20 focusing on simplification of labour laws & processes, skill development support, and single desk clearances, so as to stimulate growth in the Retail Sector. The Retail Trade Policy 2016 aims to catalyze growth and provide thrust to the development of the Retail sector in Andhra Pradesh.

The policy has been announced to
(i) Attract new investments worth Rs.5,000 crore in the sector by 2020.

(ii) Create 20,000 additional employment opportunities in the sector by 2020. This policy will be valid for 5 years from date of notification, unless otherwise notified separately by GoAP.

The policy will be applicable to all Retail Enterprises which fulfill any one of the two criteria: i. Retail Enterprise shall have an annual turnover of Rs. 1 crore or more ii. Retail Enterprise shall directly employ 10 or more people on full time basis at all times.

However, the Single Desk Clearance facility and Simplification of processes in retail sector will be applicable to all retail enterprises irrespective of number of people employed or annual turnover of the retail enterprise

A) Objectives:

(i) Make Andhra Pradesh one of the most preferred destinations for retail trade in India.

(ii) Make Andhra Pradesh a hub for retail logistics by promoting setting up of warehouses and distribution centers.

(iii) To accelerate investment flow to underdeveloped regions of the state.

(iv) Identify and address existing infrastructure gaps affecting retail trade industry in AP.

(v) Encourage skill development, create more employment opportunities for all sections of society involved in retail trade.

(vi) Leverage retail trade as a tool for socio-economic development of the state.

(vii) Promote e-commerce in the state.