From Our Correspondent
Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday unveiled an ambitious blueprint to develop Visakhapatnam Economic Region into a global economic hub, even as the state secured record investments worth ₹3.65 lakh crore ahead of the CII Partnership Summit. The MoUs, signed in the presence of the Chief Minister, are expected to generate over 1.26 lakh jobs, signalling Andhra Pradesh’s return as a major investment destination.
Speaking after launching a detailed report on the development of the Visakhapatnam Economic Region, Naidu said the Centre had identified four cities — Mumbai, Surat, Varanasi and Visakhapatnam — for transformation into economic regions. “The mission begins now,” he declared, appointing Industries Secretary Yuvraj as the CEO to execute the plan.
The Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh had already attracted ₹8.57 lakh crore in investments, including ₹2.66 lakh crore a day before the summit’s commencement, and projected that total inflows would soon cross ₹20 lakh crore. “With Google setting up an AI data centre and ArcelorMittal establishing a steel plant near Anakapalle, the NDA government’s goal of creating 20 lakh jobs will become a reality,” Naidu said, adding that the state achieved a 12% growth rate.
Citing the examples of Dubai and Singapore, he stressed that “economic development requires meticulous planning.” He directed district collectors from the nine districts forming the Visakhapatnam Economic Region — Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Manyam, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, Alluri Sitaramaraju, East Godavari, Kakinada, and Konaseema — to prepare micro-level action plans to increase per capita income and promote investments.
Naidu emphasised developing tourism and health tourism, saying 10,000 hotel rooms must be made available in Visakhapatnam and the Anakapalle–Vizianagaram corridor should be planned as an integrated development circuit. “We must make Visakhapatnam an international health hub,” he said, calling for the creation of a robust support ecosystem for industry and infrastructure.
Union Minister for Civil Aviation K. Rammohan Naidu said proper planning would turn Naidu’s vision into reality, while NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam highlighted the importance of manufacturing, IT, tourism, data centres, ports, airports, and infrastructure in the region’s growth.
Meanwhile, Naidu held 15 back-to-back meetings with investors and foreign representatives from Taiwan and Italy, urging them to explore opportunities across renewable energy, logistics, electronics, aquaculture, and agribusiness sectors. “It is heartening to see investments of this magnitude even before the Summit begins,” Naidu said, reiterating that Andhra Pradesh aims to become the No.1 state in ease and speed of doing business.
He assured that companies signing MoUs would receive land allotments and prompt clearances, under his government’s guiding motto — “One Family, One Entrepreneur.”
With resources, connectivity, and a coastline exceeding 1,000 km, Naidu said Andhra Pradesh is poised to become India’s logistics and industrial powerhouse, driving inclusive and sustainable growth across sectors.