Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu said that the State is emerging as the gateway to India’s market, offering abundant investment opportunities across multiple sectors, at the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.
Speaking at the CII India Europe Business Partnership Roundtable in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, the Chief Minister described the port city as a beautiful, green, and safe city, and highlighted that Visakhapatnam is set to become a global IT hub.
Naidu announced that Google will establish an AI Data Centre in Visakhapatnam with an investment of USD 15 million, alongside the laying of sub-sea cables connecting Singapore.
‘Speed of Doing Business’ in Andhra Pradesh
The Chief Minister emphasised Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to promoting industries through what he termed the ‘Speed of Doing Business’ model. He noted that applications for new industries are being cleared within 45 days. As a recent example, Premier Energy received all approvals within that timeframe through a single phone call.
Reliance is setting up the world’s second-largest brewery in Andhra Pradesh, and Naidu mentioned that it received clearances within a month and expects to begin production by February 2026.
Focus on emerging sectors and green energy
Highlighting the State’s futuristic approach, Naidu said Andhra Pradesh will soon develop a Drone City catering to both civil and defence applications.
He also announced plans to establish a Space City in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to boost private participation in space technology.
Andhra Pradesh is also positioning itself as a Green Energy Hub, with major investments in solar, wind, and pumped storage projects.
“While India targets 500 GW of green energy, Andhra Pradesh aims to contribute 160 GW, reinforcing our leadership in the renewable sector,” Naidu stated.
AP’s quantum and next-gen tech journey
Chief Minister Naidu revealed that Andhra Pradesh is venturing into Quantum Computing, AI, Semiconductors, and Aerospace.
“With the Centre’s new Quantum Computing policy, Andhra Pradesh will develop a Quantum Valley in Amaravati. We are confident of producing our first quantum computer within two years,” he said.
Naidu reiterated his belief that India’s economic rise is unstoppable, crediting Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and political stability for driving growth.
CM Naidu’s appeal to global investors
The Chief Minister invited European investors to explore opportunities in Andhra Pradesh, assuring full government support.
“If anyone comes forward to invest, we will assign an escort officer to monitor their project’s progress and ensure timely clearances,” Naidu assured.
Earlier, CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee lauded Naidu’s visionary leadership and commitment to economic development.
Among the key dignitaries present were Gevorg Papoyan, Minister of Economy, Republic of Armenia; R Mukundan, President Designate, CII and MD & CEO, Tata Chemicals Ltd; Ms Clemence Kopeikin, Chief Impact Officer, FyrstGen Holding, Switzerland; Bertram Lohmuller, Professor, Export-Akademie Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany; and Amit Kalyani, Chairman, CII Europe Council and Vice Chairman, Bharat Forge Ltd.
India–Europe Economic Cooperation
India and Europe are witnessing rapid growth in renewable energy, technology, and smart manufacturing. Both regions reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the green transition through collaboration and enhanced joint funding mechanisms.