CM Naidu vows to make Andhra No 1 in futuristic tech innovation

    Vijayawada, Jul 23 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday said the state would emerge as the number one player in any field, emphasising its focus on futuristic innovations.
    Addressing the Investopia Summit in Vijayawada, Naidu asserted that Andhra Pradesh would lead in areas such as drones, electronics, and aerospace.
    "I assure you, not just in one area—name any field—and we will be number one. Drones, electronics, aerospace... all future technologies are our focus now," Naidu said.
    He highlighted that the state will leverage Artificial Intelligence in a big way, adding that he has always been pro-investor and investor-friendly, with the goal of "eradicating poverty and creating wealth" for the people of Andhra Pradesh.
    Assuring that Andhra Pradesh is "the best destination for investment", Naidu said the state has robust infrastructure and unique advantages, including a 1,000-km coastline.
    He also underscored that the state is a hub for agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, and cash crops, and is strong in technology, the digital economy, and human resources.
    Naidu added that the state aims to contribute 160 GW to the Centre's target of 500 GW in green energy production by 2030.
    He reminded the audience that he had recently announced the Green Hydrogen Valley in Amaravati and reiterated his vision for a Quantum Valley in the greenfield capital.
    According to the TDP supremo, Google is set to build its largest data centre outside the US in Vizag.
    Urging investors to partner with Andhra Pradesh, Naidu promised to take their initiatives to a "logical conclusion".
    He stressed that trust is crucial and cannot be built overnight—it takes time.
    "I treat investors as contributors to nation-building. Investors are vital for wealth creation; they are our partners in progress. Andhra Pradesh has shifted gears from 'ease of doing business' to 'speed of doing business'. I assure you of time-bound project completions with all the required policy and infrastructural support," Naidu said.
    He added that the world is watching India now, and the country enjoys a demographic dividend that will last for the next 20 to 25 years.
    Observing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the right leader for India at the right time, Naidu noted that trade between India and the UAE reached USD 100 billion in 2024-25, while trade between Andhra Pradesh and the UAE amounted to USD 1.5 billion.
    He also said that Andhra Pradesh aims to achieve a GSDP of USD 2.4 trillion and a per capita income of USD 43,000 by 2047.
    The Investopia Summit, inaugurated by Naidu, is focused on strengthening India–UAE economic ties and witnessed the exchange of agreements between the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board and Investopia.
    Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, M A Yusuf Ali, CMD of Lulu International, and other dignitaries attended the summit.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)