Chandrababu Naidu Seeks Strategic Partnerships at WEF, Pitches Andhra Pradesh for Global Investment
During his visit to the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit in Davos, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held productive discussions with leading global companies, advocating for the state as a hub for technological innovation, manufacturing, and sustainable growth.
Engagement with Google Cloud
In a notable meeting with Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian, Chief Minister Naidu proposed the establishment of a design center in Visakhapatnam aimed at developing custom chips for Google’s servers. He also emphasized the potential for setting up a manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh to integrate the company’s server supply chain. Naidu assured full support from the Andhra Pradesh government for these initiatives. The state is already collaborating with Google Cloud, having signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the creation of a “Data City” in Visakhapatnam. This collaboration also includes joint efforts in artificial intelligence (AI) development and skill enhancement for the state’s youth.
Petronas’s Green Energy Investments
Naidu also engaged in talks with Muhammad Taufik, President and Group CEO of Petronas, a Malaysian oil and gas giant. Taufik outlined Petronas’s plans to invest significantly in green energy, specifically green hydrogen, ammonia, and other sustainable molecules. The company aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green ammonia annually by 2030. In this context, Naidu extended an invitation to Petronas to invest ₹13,000–15,000 crore in a green ammonia plant in Kakinada and in the state’s emerging petrochemical hub at Mulapeta.
PepsiCo’s Expansion Plans in Andhra Pradesh
Further strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s industrial presence, Naidu discussed with PepsiCo International Beverages CEO Eugene Willemsen and PepsiCo Foundation Chairman Stephen Kehoe the prospect of expanding the company’s footprint in the state. With a bottling plant already operational in Sricity, Naidu proposed the establishment of a PepsiCo Digital Hub and an expansion of PepsiCo’s Global Business Service Center in Visakhapatnam. Additionally, he suggested the company partner with the Andhra Pradesh Community Natural Farming (APCNF) initiative to help local farmers by integrating them into PepsiCo’s supply chain.
Bahrain’s Investment Interests
Chief Minister Naidu also met with Bahrain’s representatives, including Hamad Al Mahmeed and Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, to discuss investment opportunities. He invited Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat, to explore investment possibilities in Andhra Pradesh, showcasing the state’s business-friendly policies and efficient facilitation of investment projects.
Positioning Andhra Pradesh for Global Growth
Through these high-level discussions, Naidu effectively positioned Andhra Pradesh as a prime destination for global investment, focusing on technological innovation, industrial growth, and sustainability. His efforts during the WEF summit signal the state’s commitment to attracting diverse investments that will foster economic development and create employment opportunities for the local population.
