WEF 2025: CM Naidu woos global CEOs to invest in Andhra Pradesh

Davos: On the second day of the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu engaged in strategic discussions with global industry leaders to promote investment opportunities in the state.

Meeting with Chuck Robbins, Chairman and CEO of CISCO:

Naidu met with Chuck Robbins, Chairman and CEO of CISCO, to discuss potential areas of collaboration and investment in the State. The discussions focused on leveraging CISCO’s technological expertise to enhance digital infrastructure in the state and drive innovation-led growth.

Discussion with ArcelorMittal/Nippon Steel Leadership:

In a key meeting, Naidu held discussions with Lakshmi N. Mittal, Executive Chairman, and Aditya Mittal, CEO of ArcelorMittal/Nippon Steel. The focus was on the company’s landmark ₹1.4 lakh crore investment in a 17.8-million-ton integrated steel project in Anakapalli. This greenfield project is set to be one of the largest of its kind, reinforcing Andhra Pradesh’s position as a hub for industrial growth.

Exploring Opportunities with LG Chem Ltd:

Chandrababu Naidu engaged with Shin Hak Cheol, CEO of LG Chem Ltd., to explore further investment opportunities across a variety of sectors, including chemicals, renewable energy, and manufacturing. The discussions reflected Andhra Pradesh’s potential as a partner for global chemical industry leaders.

Maritime Investment Prospects with Maersk:

Naidu held a productive conversation with Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk, to discuss investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh’s maritime sector. Maersk expressed keen interest in exploring the state’s extensive coastline and developing logistics and port infrastructure.

Roundtable: Positioning Andhra Pradesh as a Global Petrochemical Hub

Chandrababu Naidu participated in a high-level roundtable to present Andhra Pradesh’s vision for becoming a global petrochemical hub.

Key highlights of his address include:

• Strategic Growth in Andhra Pradesh: Highlighting consistent growth in the state, he emphasized India’s rapid economic expansion as the world’s 5th largest economy and 4th largest in purchasing power parity.

• Petrochemical Sector Opportunities: Andhra Pradesh hosts HPCL in Vizag, with BPCL projects underway in Ramayapatnam. The Chief Minister stressed the sector’s rapid growth and its potential to drive employment and revenue generation.

• Maritime Advantage: With a 1,000-km coastline, 5-6 operational ports, and three more under construction, the state offers unparalleled opportunities for logistics and trade.

• Future Outlook: By 2028, Andhra Pradesh aims to achieve the highest incremental growth in India, supported by a robust petrochemical and industrial ecosystem.