In Singapore, chief minister Chandrababu Naidu pitches Andhra Pradesh as global investment hub

Vijayawada: Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who is on a two-day visit to Singapore, pitched Andhra Pradesh as an ideal destination for global investments, citing the state’s strategic location, skilled young workforce, strong industrial ecosystem, and investor-friendly policies.Inviting Singapore-based startup venture capitalists and companies to partner in AP’s growth journey, Naidu said the state is creating a conducive environment for industries, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Addressing a roundtable with startup venture capitalists in Singapore on Monday, he said AP is focusing on emerging sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, quantum technology, robotics, medical devices, hardware manufacturing, and food processing.“The youth of Andhra Pradesh are ready to meet the technology requirements of Singapore and other global markets,” he said, adding that the govt is following the “one family, one entrepreneur” approach to encourage entrepreneurship and promote manufacturing.Naidu said innovative landpooling methods are being used for industrial development, and Amaravati capital city is being developed on the same model. “Projects such as AMCA, Google and ArcelorMittal have received fast approvals and land allocation in Andhra Pradesh.

This is the right time for investors to establish projects in the state,” he said.Highlighting AP’s strengths, Naidu said the state has world-class agricultural production, with farmers producing quality horticulture and food products suitable for global markets. He said nearly 20 lakh acres have come under natural farming and efforts are underway to achieve traceability standards in the food sector.“Industrial hubs such as Sri City are attracting major investments, and the state has integrated technology into governance and public services.

The Ratan Tata Innovation Hub will provide opportunities for startups and investors,” he added.Naidu said India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies due to reforms, technology adoption, and strong policy decisions. “India is no longer a sleeping economy. It is moving ahead rapidly and becoming a major economic force,” he said. He further said that India’s demographic advantage, with one of the largest young populations in the world, provides a strong foundation for growth.

“Countries like China took decades to achieve economic progress, but India is advancing at a much faster pace,” he noted.Earlier, Naidu met Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, Dr Shilpak Ambule, and discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation between Singapore and AP. He sought support from Singapore companies for investments in shipbuilding, civil aviation MRO centres, green energy, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.Ambule, explaining Singapore’s strong economic and trade relations with India, said the country has advanced capabilities in green energy and semiconductor ecosystems. He said Singapore is keen to work with Indian states and assured support for investment promotion in AP.Naidu also sought partnerships between Singapore universities and AP educational institutions, stating that investments and collaborations would help create jobs, promote innovation, and accelerate economic growth. Municipal administration minister Dr P Narayana and other senior officials accompanied the chief minister.