AP Poised to Become India’s Gateway for Global Investment
Andhra Pradesh is set to become India’s main gateway for trade and investment, offering vast opportunities across key industries, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said.
Speaking at the India–Europe Business Partnership Roundtable in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, part of the two-day CII Partnership Summit, Mr. Naidu described Visakhapatnam as a “beautiful, green, and safe city” that is evolving into a global IT hub. He announced that Google would set up an AI data center in the city with an investment of 15 billion US dollars, including subsea cables linking Visakhapatnam and Singapore.
Mr. Naidu said Andhra Pradesh had introduced a “speed of doing business” model that ensures industrial applications are cleared within 45 days. He cited examples such as Premier Energy, which received approvals within that period, and Reliance, which established the world’s second-largest brewery after obtaining clearances in less than a month.
The Chief Minister said the government was developing a “drone city” for civilian and defense use. He also announced plans for a “space city” in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to promote private investment in the space sector.
Highlighting the state’s progress in renewable energy, Mr. Naidu said Andhra Pradesh was advancing rapidly in solar, wind, and pumped-storage power. While India aims to generate 500 GW of green energy, Andhra Pradesh plans to contribute 160 GW.
He also outlined plans for a “Quantum Valley” in Amaravati, following the national quantum computing policy. The state aims to build its first quantum computer within two years. Andhra Pradesh, he said, is also becoming a leader in AI, data centers, semiconductors, and advanced electronics.
Calling India’s economic growth “unstoppable,” Mr. Naidu credited Prime Minister Modi’s leadership for providing stability and boosting investor confidence. He urged global investors to set up industries in Andhra Pradesh and assured them of full government support, including dedicated escort officers for project facilitation.
CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee praised Mr. Naidu’s vision and commitment to development. Dignitaries from Armenia, Switzerland, Germany, and India attended the session, which focused on strengthening India–Europe cooperation in renewable energy, technology, and smart manufacturing to drive the global green transition.