From Our Correspondent
Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said Andhra Pradesh is planning its growth strategy in tune with future global needs, identifying key sectors that will define the next phase of industrial development. Speaking at the India–Europe Business Partnership Roundtable held in Visakhapatnam as part of the CII Partnership Summit 2025, Naidu said the state is “one of the most promising destinations for global investments.”
“Andhra Pradesh is blessed with rich resources, a strategic coastline, and skilled manpower,” Naidu said, describing Visakhapatnam as “a beautiful coastal city that is fast transforming into a global technology hub.” He noted that Google is setting up its largest AI Data Centre outside the US in Visakhapatnam with subsea cable connectivity to Singapore, symbolising the city’s growing prominence in the global digital economy.
Naidu said the state is also advancing projects in space technology, drone manufacturing, and quantum computing. “We are establishing India’s first Quantum Valley in Amaravati and developing a Drone City in Kurnool for both civil and defence applications. Andhra Pradesh is also planning a dedicated Space City as part of our focus on emerging technologies,” he said.
Green Energy Hub in the Making
“Andhra Pradesh will soon become India’s Green Hydrogen Valley,” the Chief Minister said, highlighting the state’s strength in solar, wind, and pumped hydro energy. “India aims to produce 500 GW of green power, and Andhra Pradesh alone is targeting 160 GW. Climate change is a global concern, and renewable energy is the only sustainable solution. AP is already leading that shift,” he noted.
Naidu said the state would supply green energy to data centres coming up across Andhra Pradesh, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable industrialization.
Ports, Shipbuilding and Infrastructure Focus
Describing ports as “Andhra Pradesh’s biggest strength,” Naidu said the state is investing heavily in port-led development. “We are expanding port networks and linking them with rail, road, and air connectivity to integrate AP’s logistics system with major Indian and international trade routes,” he said.
He urged investors to explore opportunities in shipbuilding, calling it a sector of strategic national importance. “India needs to scale up its shipbuilding capacity, and Andhra Pradesh is ideally positioned to lead this transformation,” he said.
Investor Support and Speed of Doing Business
Naidu said Andhra Pradesh is offering unmatched ease and speed of doing business, clearing industrial proposals within 45 days. “We issue permits on a war footing and assign escort officers to ensure investors face no hurdles. Once committed, we stand with the investor till the project becomes operational,” he said.
Naidu cited Premier Energies and Google as examples of companies that received quick approvals and have begun implementation within weeks. “AP’s proactive governance model is attracting global confidence,” he said.
Appeal to European Investors
Inviting European businesses to partner in Andhra Pradesh’s growth story, Naidu said, “The state is a gateway to India’s market. There are vast opportunities in manufacturing, education, healthcare, tourism, food processing, and organic farming. Our Araku coffee is already a global brand born from sustainable agriculture.”
Concluding his address, Naidu said India is on an irreversible growth path under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “India’s rise is unstoppable — and Andhra Pradesh will be at the forefront of that journey. We are building for 2047, when India will stand as the world’s leading economy,” he said.