CM Naidu pitches Andhra Pradesh as investment destination at Singapore startup roundtable

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday invited venture capitalists and startup investors to explore opportunities in the state, highlighting its growing industrial ecosystem, innovation infrastructure and investor-friendly policies.

During the two-day visit to Singapore, the chief minister is scheduled to hold discussions with government leaders, industry representatives and investors to attract investments and explore partnerships across infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, education and skill development sectors in Andhra Pradesh.

Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule, Municipal Minister P Narayana and Singapore-based startup venture capitalists attended the roundtable meeting.

"This is the right time to establish industrial projects, and I invite investors to come forward. Venture capitalists have the opportunity to invest in startups incubated and developed through the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub," Naidu said in an official press release.

The chief minister said India is emerging as one of the fastest-growing major economies, "driven by reforms and policy initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

He noted that India is achieving economic growth at a rapid pace and has emerged as a leader in manufacturing advanced equipment, including medical technology products, while also exporting electronics products to global markets.

Naidu said the country is manufacturing advanced products, including fifth-generation fighter aircraft, and benefits from the 'world's largest' youth workforce supported by a strong demographic dividend.

Highlighting Andhra Pradesh's industrial strategy, he said the state is implementing the 'One Family, One Entrepreneur' policy to promote manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

The chief minister said Andhra Pradesh is providing land for projects through the land pooling model, which also forms the foundation for the development of the Amaravati capital city.

He noted that the government has provided speedy approvals and allocated land to industries such as Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Google and ArcelorMittal, while industrial zones such as Sri City are attracting investments on a large scale.

Naidu said technology has been integrated into public services and governance and highlighted the investment opportunities available through the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub. He urged venture capitalists to support promising innovations and participate in the state's startup ecosystem, the press release added.

"We seek cooperation in robotics, medical devices, hardware and electronics manufacturing sectors. The youth of Andhra Pradesh are ready to meet the workforce requirements of Singapore's technology sector," Naidu said.

During the meeting, Ambule explained Singapore's economic and trade relations with India and discussed opportunities for expanding engagement with Andhra Pradesh.

Naidu said Singapore should become a key partner in Andhra Pradesh's development journey and requested that Singapore companies be encouraged to invest in the state.

The chief minister further said Andhra Pradesh is achieving new milestones in natural farming and that farmers have come forward to practice natural farming on two million acres.

Naidu observed that farmers in the state are producing world-class quality products and that horticulture

produce has reached export-ready standards.

The chief minister also sought partnerships between Singapore universities and educational institutions in Andhra Pradesh to strengthen higher education and skill development.

Highlighting India's economic transformation, Naidu said PM Modi has ensured there are no delays in the political system or bureaucracy regarding development programmes and investments.

Ambule said Singapore is far ahead in green energy and semiconductor ecosystem development and is keen to work with various states across India.

He assured that all necessary support would be extended for investments in Andhra Pradesh, the release added.