Chandrababu Naidu discusses bilateral trade, AI-based citizen services with UAE leaders

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on the third day of his UAE tour on Friday, held high-level meetings with key officials to strengthen trade, investment, and technological collaboration between the State and the UAE.

During a discussion with Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, the leaders focused on enhancing bilateral trade, promoting knowledge economy initiatives, and leveraging Artificial Intelligence to improve governance and citizen services.

The meeting also explored mechanisms to share best practices through Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) platforms, and to fund startups and research institutions, positioning the region as a hub for innovation. Further, potential partnerships were discussed between the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH) and Dubai Silicon Oasis to encourage AI-driven startups and technological innovation. Food security, logistics, transportation, and infrastructure investment opportunities were additional topics on the agenda.

Mr. Naidu also addressed the Telugu diaspora programme held at Le Meridien Hotel, Dubai. The event witnessed an exceptional turnout with Telugu residents from the UAE as well as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain participating in large numbers.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister highlighted the role of the Telugu diaspora in supporting Andhra Pradesh’s growth and global collaborations.

Mr. Naidu stated that the Telugu community was unstoppable and poised to become number one globally. He emphasised that wherever Telugu people go, they should excel and achieve the highest standards. Highlighting his vision to promote the IT sector, he noted that Telugu IT professionals were excelling worldwide, with visionaries like Satya Nadella leading global companies as CEOs, including Microsoft.

Referring to the 2024 elections, Mr. Naidu acknowledged the instrumental support of the NRI Telugus in securing the alliance’s victory. He expressed his delight at seeing Telugu people travel from the Gulf countries to participate in the diaspora event.

He observed that Abu Dhabi and Dubai were transitioning from oil-based economies to tourism and knowledge-based economies, and noted that with 1.5 lakh hotel rooms, the hospitality sector was generating significant revenue.

Mr. Naidu also highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s growing prominence in the technology sector, stating that just as Hyderabad attracted Microsoft in the past, Google was being brought to Visakhapatnam. He pointed out that Andhra Pradesh was the only State in India to host a Quantum Valley, and shared his vision to nurture an entrepreneur in every household to achieve ambitious targets.

State Ministers and officials accompanying the Chief Minister included T.G. Bharat, B.C. Janardhan Reddy, and AP NRI Chairman Vemuri Ravi, among others.

The UAE visit underscored Mr. Naidu’s commitment to boosting Andhra Pradesh’s global presence, promoting innovation and knowledge-based industries, and engaging the diaspora in developmental initiatives.