Naidu pitches Vizag as AP's growth engine in Singapore
On Day 3, Naidu met Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, former PM Lee Hsien Loong, and senior executives from top global corporations.
In a round table conference with executives from 41 companies, Naidu highlighted Andhra Pradesh's potential as a premier destination for data centres. He mentioned that Google already made an MoU with the state govt for setting up a data centre at Visakhapatnam. With TCS and Cognizant setting up units, the port city is set to emerge as the next IT destination offering a complete ecosystem.
Earlier in the day, Naidu met representatives from Keppel, GIC, and Wilmar. In the meeting with Lim Yong Wei, the executive director of Keppel Corporation, Naidu discussed potential partnerships in the development of Amaravati. Naidu invited Keppel to collaborate in IT, commerce, and housing projects in Visakhapatnam, along with Amaravati.
The chief minister also met with Govt of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) chief investment officer Bryan Yeo to discuss opportunities for investments in Amaravati development, real estate, industry, and infrastructure development across the state.
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Naidu said that they are looking for a long-term partnership with the GIC. He assured that the state govt is ready to provide a conducive environment for GIC to invest in sectors like healthcare, education, urban planning, and civic infrastructure.
Naidu met Prof. Mohan Kankanahalli, deputy executive chairman of AI Singapore. He sought cooperation in setting up AI research and innovation centres in the state. Naidu stressed the importance of forging partnerships between AI Singapore and universities and research institutions in Andhra Pradesh.
He proposed launching AI training programmes and skill development modules for students across the state in collaboration with AI Singapore.
Naidu also met NG Jan Lin Wilin, senior vice president of SIA Engineering, and discussed the development of airports in Andhra Pradesh. He sought cooperation in setting up Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services in the state.
The chief minister, along with his team, visited Juron Petrochemical Island, which was developed on reclaimed land.
Naidu said that notable features like integrated safety systems, waste management, and strong sustainability measures are key takeaways for developing world-class industrial corridors in Krishnapatnam, Kakinada, and Machilipatnam. In meetings with the CEOs of various companies, Naidu explained the opportunities available along the vast coastline of Andhra Pradesh.
GFX: Naidu's Day-4 engagements:
- Sanjeev Das Gupta, CEO Capitaland Investments (India): Real Estate, Urban Development, and Industrial Parks
- Mike Barkley, CEO, Mandai Wildlife Group: Eco-Tourism, Biodiversity Parks, and Wildlife Education Models
- Rajiv Kannan, SMBC Bank: Investment Opportunities, Liquidity Models
- Dinesh Khanna, Temasek: Public Infra Projects, Education, and Health
- Vivian Balankrishnan, External Affairs Minister, Govt of Singapore: India-Singapore Relations, Cooperation for Investments in Telugu States
- K Shanmugam, Home and National Security Minister: Police Training, International Cooperation
- Charles Koh, COO Sembcorp: Renewable Energy and Water Treatment
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