Deepening ties: How Telangana is paving the way for progress

The story of a successful partnership

Telangana, a state in southern India, has been making headlines for its impressive progress in the last few years. But what's behind this success? A lot of it has to do with the state's strategy to deepen ties with different partners.

One such partnership is the state's collaboration with the United States, particularly in the area of technology. This venture has taken various shapes, from establishing a US-India Innovation Forum to connecting Telangana startups with American mentors and investors. As a result, Telangana's technology sector has been growing at breakneck speed, attracting big players like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon.

The collaboration with the US is just one example. Telangana has also been strengthening ties with other countries, such as Japan and South Korea, in areas like infrastructure, manufacturing, and skill development. At home, the state has been forging partnerships with different industries and communities for a more inclusive and sustainable growth.

The success of these partnerships didn't come overnight. It's been a long-term effort from the state government, businesses, academia, and civil society alike. By recognizing the importance of collaboration and investing in it, Telangana has not only achieved significant improvements but also set an example for others to follow.

Quantifiable examples of progress

But how exactly do we measure Telangana's progress? Here are some examples:

• Telangana is the fastest growing state economy in India, with a growth rate of 14.9% in 2019-2020. This is more than double the national average of 6.8%.
• The state has attracted 4.7 billion dollars in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2019-2020, a 12% increase from the previous year.
• Telangana has been consistently ranked among the top states in ease of doing business, with a rank of 3 in 2019 and 2020.
• Thanks to its collaboration with the US, Telangana has emerged as a hub for research and innovation, with over 1800 startups and a startup incubator, T-Hub, that has helped entrepreneurs raise more than $1 billion in funds.
• By partnering with Japan for the Hyderabad Metro Rail project and the Musi Riverfront Development project, Telangana has improved its infrastructure and tourism prospects.
• The state has been investing in human capital development through programs like the Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK) that has trained over 5 lakh students and job seekers in different skills.

These numbers are impressive, but they don't tell the whole story. Behind each statistic is a real impact on people's lives and the environment. For example, the growth of Telangana's economy has led to increased job opportunities and more public services for citizens. The state's efforts to attract sustainable investments and promote clean energy have contributed to mitigating climate change.

Practical tips for growth

So, what can we learn from Telangana's experience? Here are some practical tips:

• Invest in partnerships, not just deals: partnerships are more than transactional relationships. They involve mutual trust, shared values, and a vision for the future. By investing in partnerships, you're building long-lasting relationships that can withstand challenges and bring out the best in each other.
• Be open to new ideas and perspectives: progress doesn't happen in a vacuum. It requires creativity, innovation, and sometimes, thinking outside the box. By being open to new ideas and perspectives, you're expanding your horizons and tapping into new opportunities.
• Focus on sustainable development: growth is not just about numbers. It's also about creating a better world for ourselves and future generations. By prioritizing sustainable development, you're ensuring that your progress is inclusive, resilient, and environmentally responsible.
• Invest in human capital: people are the driving force behind progress. By investing in skills, education, and entrepreneurship, you're empowering individuals to realize their potential and contribute to society.
• Create an enabling ecosystem: progress is also about creating an environment that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. By creating an enabling ecosystem, you're removing barriers and nurturing a culture of openness and experimentation.

Conclusions in a nutshell

Telangana's success story is a testament to the power of partnerships. By recognizing that progress is a collective effort, Telangana has been able to achieve impressive improvements in different areas. But the state's journey is far from over. Telangana is now looking to deepen its ties with even more partners, from new industries to different countries, for a more sustainable and equitable growth.

As we face the challenges of the 21st century, we need more examples of successful partnerships like Telangana's. By working together, we can overcome our shared problems and create a better future for ourselves and generations to come.