VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed unwavering confidence in transforming the state into a global investment hub, unveiling ambitious plans to attract USD 120 billion in investments within the next year.
Speaking at the Investopia Global AP 2025 Summit in Vijayawada, organised by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Naidu outlined a strategic roadmap to position Andhra Pradesh as a prime destination for international investors.
The summit, a landmark event in strengthening economic ties between AP and the UAE, saw the participation of the UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri.
A significant highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the AP Economic Development Board (APEDB) and Investopia, marking a new chapter in bilateral economic collaboration.
Naidu emphasised AP’s strategic location on India’s eastern coast, serving as a vital link between northern and southern India.
CM aims to attract USD120 billion investments for State in one year
He showcased the state’s immense potential in sectors such as oil and gas, food processing, mining, tourism, hospitality, and technology.
“Andhra Pradesh is open for business,” Naidu declared, assuring investors of a seamless process with his personal supervision to ensure swift project implementation. “Our policies are designed to make AP a magnet for global capital,” he added, inviting investors to tap into the state’s diverse industries.
Hosted at a private hotel in Vijayawada, the Investopia Global AP 2025 Summit underscored the growing synergy between AP and the UAE.
Naidu expressed gratitude to Minister Al Marri for choosing Vijayawada to host the event, recalling his invitation to the UAE minister during the World Economic Forum in Davos. The summit facilitated high-level discussions on investment opportunities, focusing on infrastructure, technology, and green energy initiatives.
Al Marri echoed Naidu’s enthusiasm, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to fostering economic growth through Investopia, with a focus on AI, retail, aviation, and the future economy. He noted the robust UAE-India partnership, with a trade volume of USD 250 billion, positioning the UAE as India’s third-largest trading partner.
In 2024, 4.2 million Indian tourists visited the UAE, supported by enhanced air connectivity, while over 67,000 companies operate between the two nations.
Al Marri praised AP’s abundant resources, including its water and green energy potential, and expressed the UAE’s keen interest in collaborating on infrastructure, technology, startups, and incubation.
Naidu highlighted the deep ties between India and the UAE, noting that 38% of the UAE’s 11 million population comprises Indian citizens, significantly contributing to its economy. Bilateral trade reached USD 100 billion in 2024-25, with AP contributing USD 1.5 billion. Naidu expressed optimism about further strengthening this partnership, aligning with India’s goal of becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2029.
AP’s economic vision is bold, aiming to transform the state into a USD 2.4 trillion economy by 2047. Naidu outlined the “No Poverty Mission,” leveraging a P4 (Public-Private-People-Partnership) model to uplift the poor, alongside a P3 (Public-Private-Partnership) approach for infrastructure development.
The state is harnessing technology to enhance governance, with 550 citizen services accessible via WhatsApp. Naidu announced the creation of a “Quantum Valley” in Amaravati, modelled after Silicon Valley, to drive innovation in technology and knowledge-based industries, set to commence operations by January 2026.
AP’s strengths in agriculture, aquaculture, dairy, and digital technology, backed by a skilled workforce, were highlighted as key investment drivers.