Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has used the World Economic Forum (WEF) platform in Davos to aggressively court Swiss investment, with a particular emphasis on the state’s burgeoning textile sector. On the first day of his visit, Naidu engaged in a series of high-level meetings with business leaders and investors, highlighting the state’s potential as a prime investment destination.
Prior to the WEF summit, Naidu met with the Indian Ambassador to Switzerland, Mrudul Kumar, in Zurich. The discussion centred on attracting Swiss industrialists to Andhra Pradesh, with Naidu emphasizing the state’s diverse investment landscape, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, technology, and rail component manufacturing. He specifically underscored the opportunities within the textile industry, citing the availability of a skilled workforce and the state’s strategic location for manufacturing and export.
Ambassador Kumar noted the significant presence of Swiss companies in India, including giants like Nestle, Novartis, and ABB, and indicated a strong interest from other Swiss firms to expand their operations in the country. Naidu seized this opportunity to promote Andhra Pradesh as a key partner, highlighting the availability of skilled labour for remote work as a distinct advantage.
A pivotal meeting facilitated by Ambassador Kumar brought Naidu face-to-face with the CEOs of four leading Swiss companies and other key business figures. During this session, Naidu detailed the investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh, with a specific focus on the textile sector’s potential. He outlined the state’s business-friendly policies and invited Swiss businesses to capitalize on both state and central government incentives, as well as the state’s robust infrastructure.
Beyond direct investment, Naidu emphasized opportunities for collaboration in research and development, innovation hubs, and incubators, suggesting potential joint ventures in advanced manufacturing sectors, which could indirectly benefit the textile industry through advancements in materials and manufacturing processes.
Naidu’s proactive approach at Davos underscores Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to attracting foreign investment and solidifying its position as a key player in the global textile market. The focus on Swiss partnerships highlights the state’s desire to leverage Swiss expertise in technology and manufacturing to further develop its textile industry. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Ministers Nara Lokesh and TG Bharat, along with a team of officials, and received a warm welcome from the Europe Telugu Desam Party Forum and the Indian diaspora upon arrival in Zurich.
