Andhra Pradesh CM Invites UAE Firms to Invest in Food Processing

Andhra Pradesh invites UAE companies, including Silal, to invest in food processing and horticulture, while 12 UAE firms express interest in the proposed food cluster and the UAE explores shrimp imports.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has invited companies from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to explore investment opportunities in the state's food processing, horticulture and agricultural export sectors. The proposal was discussed during a meeting with UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri in Visakhapatnam, ahead of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit.

During the meeting, Naidu highlighted the state's potential in agricultural procurement, food processing and exports, and encouraged UAE businesses to establish partnerships with local industries. He specifically invited UAE-based agri-food company Silal to participate in a proposed food cluster initiative aimed at strengthening agricultural processing and international market access.

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The Chief Minister also outlined the state's plan to develop the Rayalaseema region as a global horticulture hub through an investment of approximately ₹1 lakh crore. He noted that fruits cultivated in the region are already reaching international markets and highlighted opportunities to expand production, processing, storage and export infrastructure.

The proposed food cluster emerged as a key area of discussion, with Naidu urging the UAE minister to facilitate an early decision on the initiative. The proposed grounding of Dubai-based Floormaster's industry in Chittoor district was also discussed as part of the broader investment engagement.

The UAE delegation expressed interest in expanding its economic presence along India's eastern coastline and identified Andhra Pradesh as a potential destination for investments. Al Marri also appreciated the state's infrastructure development, including the newly constructed Bhogapuram International Airport, and discussed opportunities for closer economic cooperation.

In addition to food processing and horticulture, Naidu invited UAE companies to explore investment opportunities in maritime infrastructure, aerospace and defence manufacturing. The state government expressed its readiness to work with UAE businesses across these sectors and facilitate investment proposals.

Aquaculture exports also featured in the discussions. The UAE delegation informed the Chief Minister that it was examining opportunities to import shrimp and other aquaculture products from Andhra Pradesh. The state's established seafood production base could provide opportunities for expanding agricultural and marine product trade between the two regions.

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According to the official release, 12 additional UAE-based companies have expressed interest in participating in the proposed food cluster. Their involvement could support investment in food processing, agricultural supply chains and export-oriented infrastructure.

The engagement reflects Andhra Pradesh's efforts to attract international investment and strengthen its position as an agricultural and industrial export hub. By connecting UAE investors with local producers, processors and infrastructure projects, the state aims to expand trade opportunities and develop stronger cross-border partnerships in the agri-food sector.