Published Nov 12, 2026 | 2:22 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 12, 2026 | 2:22 PM
The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan.
The 31st CII Partnership Summit got off to a grand start in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, aiming to position Andhra Pradesh as the country’s premier industrial hub. Government and industry representatives, along with ambassadors from 58 countries, converged for the two-day international investment summit.
Held under the theme ‘Navigating the New World Order’, the event was inaugurated by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
Outlining the state’s vast investment opportunities and future industrial plans to global business leaders, the Chief Minister announced that investments worth ₹9.89 lakh crore are set to flow in through 303 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). With this, the total value of investments secured by the state has reached ₹32 lakh crore.
Speaking at the inaugural event, CM Chandrababu Naidu said Andhra Pradesh is giving special priority to sectors such as rare earth magnets, steel production, solar energy and battery energy storage. He identified the Critical Mineral Mission, Steel Policy, Solar Mission, Semiconductor Mission, quantum technology, green hydrogen, maritime, space, and defence as key priority areas for the future.
He revealed plans to establish a quantum computer in Amaravati and manufacture quantum equipment under the “Made in Amaravati” brand. To manufacture drones for both civilian and defence needs, the state is setting up a “Drone City”, he said, noting that medicines are already being delivered to remote areas via drones. He added that the government aims to attract investments in food processing to develop the state into a global horticulture hub and is implementing a 12x speed-of-approvals policy to expedite industrial clearances.
Also Read: Surge of investments to Andhra Pradesh: Two mega projects worth ₹33,500 crore signed
Addressing the summit, Union Minister Piyush Goyal lauded the TDP-led NDA government’s industrial policies under Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership.
Goyal remarked that while the rest of the world talks about “ease of doing business,” Chandrababu is implementing “speed of doing business.” He termed the establishment of an escrow account for the payment of industrial incentives as an innovative decision by the government.
The Union Minister claimed that Chandrababu inherited a heavy debt burden and damaged systems when he assumed office in 2024 but swiftly restored governance structures and created an investment-friendly climate, moving forward with “speed of delivering governance.”
Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Naidu were working in tandem for development, Goyal said India stood as a ‘beacon of assurance’ for investors amid global crises.
He remarked that Visakhapatnam was evolving from a “Steel City” into a “Silicon City”, while Orvakal and Pudimadaka were shaping up as green energy hubs. Emphasising that India respects Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and does not steal other nations’ IP under the guise of technology transfer, he assured complete support to industries to manufacture quality products rapidly at low cost. He urged global industrialists to invest in the manufacturing and tourism sectors in Andhra Pradesh and across India.
Ahead of the inaugural session, CM Chandrababu Naidu, Minister Piyush Goyal, and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan inaugurated and toured the Andhra Pradesh and MSME pavilions. Officials gave presentations on the development of the Tirupati, Visakhapatnam, and Amaravati economic regions, CRDA projects, and industrial opportunities in Vizag. The state’s culture, tribal arts, Araku coffee, leather puppetry (Tholu Bommalata), and Pen Kalamkari were showcased at the stalls.
Meanwhile, Kia Corporation Senior Vice President Eui Chul Jeong and CEO Gwang Lee are scheduled to hold a special meeting with the chief minister to discuss the expansion of their manufacturing plant in the state, with an agreement slated to be signed with the government.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
