From Our Corresopondent
Abu Dhabi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu projected the state as a strategic investment destination for petrochemicals, energy, and technology sectors, during a series of high-level meetings with UAE industrial leaders on the second day of his visit to the Emirates.
Meeting with Ahmad bin Talit, Global Trading Representative of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) at Al Maryah Island, Naidu highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s long coastline and proximity to South Asia, calling it an ideal location for petrochemical and LNG investments. He said ports such as Krishnapatnam, Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam, and Kakinada offer excellent potential for energy-based industries.
The two sides agreed to prepare a roadmap for technical cooperation between ADNOC and Andhra Pradesh in areas including petrochemicals, LNG, gas processing, port logistics, and green energy.
Later, Naidu met Ahmed Jasem Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, and Mansoor Al Mansoori, CEO of G42, one of the UAE’s leading AI and tech companies. He said Andhra Pradesh is moving “from Ease of Doing Business to Speed of Doing Business,” and that quantum computing services would be launched in Amaravati by January. “Amaravati will emerge as a hub for innovation and future technologies,” Naidu said, inviting UAE business leaders to attend the CII Partnership Summit 2025 in Visakhapatnam on November 14–15.
Naidu also welcomed G42’s initiatives in AI, cloud computing, and health-tech, inviting the company to establish AI data centres, innovation labs, and smart governance solutions in Andhra Pradesh.
In a networking lunch with UAE tech leaders—including Manu Kumar Jain (G42 CEO), Lalit Agarwal (ADIC Global Head), Ajay Bhatia (IHC CEO), Jayesh Patil (WIO Bank CEO), Jayanti Kanani (Polygon Morphic CEO), and Yashish Dahiya (PolicyBazaar CEO)—Naidu pitched Andhra Pradesh as India’s next tech destination.
He showcased opportunities in data centres, artificial intelligence, fintech, health-tech, cloud computing, and digital governance, and briefed them on the upcoming Ratan Tata Innovation Hub, which will anchor Andhra Pradesh’s innovation ecosystem.
Naidu proposed forming a Joint Working Group with UAE-based technology companies to fast-track future projects in the state.
Ministers B.C. Janardhan Reddy and T.G. Bharat, along with senior officials from the Industries Department and Economic Development Board (EDB), accompanied the Chief Minister during the meetings.