VIJAYAWADA: CM N Chandrababu Naidu announced that the foundation stone for the Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel Plant in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, will be laid after February 15. Naidu met the company’s Executive Chairman Lakshmi Mittal on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, discussing the Rs 60,000 crore project.
The CM directed officials to complete approvals and land acquisition by February 15, saying the state government will provide full support for rapid construction and production start. “Delighted to meet Mr Lakshmi Mittal... The Government of Andhra Pradesh will provide full support,” he posted on ‘X’.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the World Economic Forum will help identify emerging trade trends and attract huge investments. “I am focusing on promotion of brand Andhra Pradesh to attract more investments,” he said.
Interacting with media representatives at Davos, Naidu said Andhra Pradesh is industry-friendly and adopts a speedy business process, according approval to companies quickly.
Escrow accounts and incentives are being provided to attract investments and promote industrialisation in AP. The state government will monitor investment proposals in real-time. HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh has initiated efforts to bring Google’s AI data centre to Visakhapatnam, Naidu highlighted.
The AP government is introducing technology in agriculture, focusing on agritech, and has signed MoUs to export Green Ammonia. Naidu said they’re developing Amaravati capital as a green and blue city, with efforts on to set up a global leadership centre. India has a strong youth force and is moving towards double-digit growth, he added.
Several global entrepreneurs met Naidu, discussing investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh.
Tamara Hospitality founder Shruti Shibulal met the Chief Minister, discussing hospitality sector opportunities. Naidu said the AP government has given industry status to tourism to boost the sector.
Tamara Leisure evinces interest in eco-tourism
There are abundant opportunities for Godavari river cruise tourism from Polavaram to Bhadrachalam, and for tourism development in Konaseema, Gandikota, Araku and Lambasingi. Tourism can improve the economy, and every district from North Coastal Andhra to Rayalaseema has immense potential, he said. The government will encourage the hotel industry.
Tamara Leisure heads showed interest in developing eco-tourism parks in tribal areas and homestays in Visakhapatnam. They’re also willing to train tribals in the hospitality sector.
Calibo AI Academy founders Raj Vattikuti and Scott Sandschafer met Naidu. The Chief Minister asked them to train youth in AI with AP universities and set up a Centre of Excellence at Visakhapatnam’s IT SEZ. They informed Naidu that a youth training programme was started in Amaravati with Vattikuti Foundation’s help.
Naidu also met UAE’s Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, discussing food security, trade partnerships, renewable energy and collaboration in space tech and drones through AP’s Space City and Drone City.