Naidu invites UAE companies to invest in Andhra Pradesh food processing
Twelve UAE-based firms have expressed interest in investing in a proposed food cluster in the state, according to reports.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu invited leading companies from the United Arab Emirates to explore investment opportunities in the state's food processing sector during a meeting in Visakhapatnam on November 11. According to Telangana Today and BusinessLine, the discussions took place with UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, who was in the city for the CII Partnership Summit.
The Chief Minister informed the UAE Minister that the state government is developing the Rayalaseema region as a global horticulture hub with an investment of Rs 1 lakh crore. He noted that fruits from Rayalaseema are already being exported to international markets and invited the UAE-based agrifood company Silal to participate in a food cluster proposed by the UAE.
The UAE delegation informed the Chief Minister that 12 UAE-based companies have expressed interest in investing in the proposed food cluster. Discussions also included the potential import of shrimp and other aquaculture products from Andhra Pradesh, as well as the proposed grounding of the Dubai-based Floormaster industry in Chittoor district.
Naidu highlighted investment potential in the maritime, aerospace, and defence sectors. The UAE Minister stated that his country is keen to invest along India's eastern coastline and suggested Andhra Pradesh could emerge as a key destination for UAE investments.
The Chief Minister also met World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Director General Daren Tang to discuss securing international recognition for innovation and seeking support for Geographical Indication (GI) tags for local handloom and handicraft products. Additionally, Naidu met Japanese Ambassador Keiichi Ono to discuss industrial investments, skill development, and critical minerals.