Naidu invites UAE firms to invest in food processing sector

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has invited UAE-based companies to invest in Andhra Pradesh’s food processing sector, highlighting the State’s potential in agricultural procurement, processing, and exports.

At a meeting with UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, who is attending the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam, Mr. Naidu said the government was developing Rayalaseema as a global horticulture hub with an investment of ₹1 lakh crore. Fruit grown in the region was already being exported to international markets, he said.

He invited UAE-based agrifood company Silal to participate in the proposed food cluster in the State and urged the Minister to expedite a decision on it. The discussions also covered Dubai-based Floormaster’s proposed industrial unit in Chittoor district.

Mr. Naidu also called on UAE companies to explore investment opportunities in the maritime, aerospace, and defence sectors.

Mr. Al Marri praised the newly constructed Bhogapuram Airport and said the UAE was keen to invest along India’s eastern coastline, with Andhra Pradesh emerging as a potential investment destination.

The UAE delegation expressed interest in importing shrimp and other aquaculture products from the State. The delegation also informed the Chief Minister that 12 more UAE-based companies had shown interest in the proposed food cluster.