Hyderabad, January 16, 2006 (UNI)

With Hyderabad developing as the focal point for Missile Technology Centre, an ''Aero Park'', on the lines of the 'IT and knowledge' Parks will be set up near here to attract Public-Private Investment(PPI) for aerospace and aeronautical industry in the country.

The ''Aero Park'' over 200 acres, in the vicinity of the ''Missile Complex, DRDL, RCI ASL, BDL and MIDHANI will be supported by the Andhra Pradesh Government which will provide the infrastrcuture facilities to attract private industries, mostly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to the (AERO) Technology Park, Chief Minister Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy announced, inaugurating ''Conquest 2006'', an International Conference on Quality and Relaibility for Aero Space systems.

He said the State Government has invited leading Industrialists for working out the modalities for the ''Aero Park,'' The Three-day global meet is to chart a road map for aerospace industry to cope with the phenomal development in the aeronautical industry.

With India emerging as a major technology Centre in Aeronautical-Aero Space Technologies for civilian, scientific and Defence applications, DRDO has been focussing on design, development and fabrication of state-of-the art flying systems needed for armed forces and Civilian applications with the support of R&D organisation, Academic institutions and Industries.

As there is a huge opportunity for Indian industries to create wealth and employment, DRDO is shifting emphasis for production of these components to fabrication of strategic and vital assembly systems by the SMEs.

Already 70 per cent of the mechanical components and many electronic sub systems of MIG and SU-330, the frontline multirole combat planes of IAF, are being outsourced, mostly in Andhra Pradesh.

The proposed Aero Park can be a point of convergence with many International Aerospace Companies including Snecma, Airbus, Safran, Boeing and British Aerospace setting up their operation in India, defence analysts said.

The Aero Park will be on the lines of the ''IT Park'', 'Knowledge Park', 'Jewellery Park' and 'Garment Parks' and would cover both aerospace and aeronautic industries. The entrepreneurs are likely to cover high quality mechanical, electrical, electronics, microwave and service areas.

With the new Hyderabad International Airport underway the AeroPark, the separate Industrial Park will not only attract new industries but also be a centre of excellence for 'AeroSpace', as it can leverage the SSIs and SMEs around Hyderabad, the analysts said.

The global conference is being organised by the RCI and Union Defence Ministry in association with Society for Quality Assurance and Reliability (SQAR).

Chief Minister Dr Reddy also gave away the SQAR awards on the occasion.