From Our Corresopondent
Abu Dhabi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday held a series of meetings with top Abu Dhabi-based industrialists and investment groups, urging them to explore opportunities in the state’s energy and food processing sectors.
During the second day of his UAE visit, Naidu met representatives of Apex Investments, Masdar, Agthia Group and Lulu Group in back-to-back discussions aimed at attracting foreign investment to Andhra Pradesh.
Naidu invited Apex Investments Chairman Khalifa Khouri and Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi to invest in solar, wind, green hydrogen and battery storage projects, saying Andhra Pradesh was emerging as a hub for green energy. He told them that with the upcoming Google Data Centre in Visakhapatnam, the state was prioritising renewable power and sustainable infrastructure.
The Apex team held discussions on battery storage opportunities. Naidu urged the company, known globally for its work in supercapacitors, to consider investments in that area and to supply their products to Andhra Pradesh. The Apex representatives responded positively to the proposal. Naidu also invited Apex to explore ventures in the hospitality sector.
In separate meetings with Agthia Group CEO Salmeen Al Ameri and Lulu Group Chairman Yusuff Ali, the Chief Minister pitched the state’s potential in food processing. He pointed out that Andhra Pradesh has favourable conditions for cocoa cultivation and suggested that Agthia consider setting up a chocolate manufacturing unit in the state.
Naidu also invited industrialists from the Gulf region to attend the upcoming Visakhapatnam Global Investors Summit, saying Andhra Pradesh’s long coastline, strong logistics network, and pro-investment policies make it one of the most attractive destinations in South Asia.