NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, headed by N Chandrababu Naidu, has converted yet another investment commitment made during the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos into a reality, with the state government signing a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Food Cluster to boost food processing, exports, trade and investments.
The MoU was signed at the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat on Tuesday in the presence of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri. The agreement was executed between the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) and the UAE Food Cluster. The partnership aims to develop an integrated food processing value chain in Andhra Pradesh, facilitate exports of horticultural produce to global markets, promote international trade and attract investments from UAE-based companies into the state’s agri-food sector.
From Davos Commitment to Investment -
The agreement stems from discussions held during the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year, where the UAE had expressed interest in establishing a Food Cluster in Andhra Pradesh. Within six months, the discussions have culminated in a formal partnership, signalling the state’s emphasis on converting investment commitments into on-ground projects.
The collaboration will focus on establishing food processing units for horticultural crops such as mango, banana and cocoa, besides promoting value-added products for international markets.
Rs 100-Crore Processing Unit in Chittoor -As the first project under the partnership, Dubai-based Floor Masters International has committed to invest ₹100 crore in a food processing facility at Gangadhara Nellore in Chittoor district.
The company, which exports products to nearly 25 countries, plans to manufacture world-class processed food products from the Andhra Pradesh facility for both domestic and international markets.
The investment is expected to strengthen Chittoor’s position as a major food processing hub while creating opportunities for farmers through better value addition and export linkages.
‘Andhra Ready to Move at Quantum Speed’ -
Addressing the UAE delegation, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said Andhra Pradesh has demonstrated its ability to translate investment interest into tangible projects within months.
“It is encouraging that the UAE’s interest expressed at Davos has now resulted in a strategic partnership. Andhra Pradesh is ready to become a major destination for food processing investments, exports and international trade,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s strengths in horticulture, aquaculture and information technology, noting that nearly 30 percent of the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) comes from agriculture and horticulture.
He said the state is leveraging its diverse agro-climatic conditions to cultivate a wide range of horticultural crops throughout the year and is investing ₹1 lakh crore, through public and private investments, to transform Rayalaseema into a horticulture hub.
Naidu also informed the delegation that the state plans to establish the Indian School of Agriculture (ISA) in partnership with Reliance Industries and has already developed more than 200 horticulture clusters supporting exports of aquaculture products, chillies, palm oil, cocoa, coffee and other commodities.
Follow us
