Davos 2026: Chandrababu Naidu meets UAE minister; explores logistics, food processing, and AI partnerships
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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday held talks with UAE Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, to explore deeper economic cooperation in logistics, food processing, and infrastructure.
Multi-modal logistics park
The discussions focused on the proposed establishment of a multi-modal logistics park in Andhra Pradesh and expanding bilateral engagement across key sectors. The two sides agreed to collaborate in the food processing sector, with the UAE expressing strong interest in supporting related initiatives in the state. Al Marri said around 40 UAE-based companies are keen to extend support by setting up operations in Andhra Pradesh.
Ties between Andhra and the UAE
Both leaders also explored investment opportunities in food security, logistics, and port-based industries while potential collaborations in renewable energy, urban development, and infrastructure were also discussed, signalling intent to deepen long-term economic ties between Andhra Pradesh and the Gulf nation.
January 2026
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Hub for AI-driven creative companies
Naidu, who is leading the state’s delegation at Davos, reiterated his government’s commitment to positioning Andhra Pradesh as a hub for artificial intelligence-driven industries. “We are committed to developing Andhra Pradesh as a hub for AI-driven creative companies,” he said, outlining a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s digital and creative economy.
Earlier in the day, Naidu said he met Kishore Lulla and Swaneet Singh of Eros Innovations in Zurich to discuss sovereign GenAI initiatives for Andhra Pradesh. These include the development of a GenAI model, a content super app, academic integration, an AI-powered Film City, virtual production studios, an AI Creative Tech Hub and a virtual reality tourism initiative titled ‘Discover Andhra Pradesh 360’. According to Naidu, these projects are intended to place Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of the AI and digital content ecosystem while creating meaningful employment opportunities for young people.
The best and the most beautiful city in the world
Addressing a breakfast session organised by the state government in partnership with industry chamber CII, Naidu said his vision is to make Amaravati “the best and the most beautiful city in the world”, inviting global investors and partners to participate in the state’s growth journey.
He also highlighted India’s demographic advantage at a time when many countries are grappling with ageing populations. “India will continue to reap demographic benefits for the next 25 to 30 years,” he said, adding that strong leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has further strengthened India’s global standing.
“There are in-built strengths in India. Earlier, it was seen as a sleeping giant and it was difficult to convince people of its potential. Now, we don’t even need to explain India’s growth story,” Naidu said. Stressing the pace of reforms, he added that the focus has shifted from ease of doing business to speed of doing business.
Recalling his earlier visits to Davos in the 1990s, Naidu said those experiences shaped his understanding of global economic trends and Andhra Pradesh’s development path. “The world is going to depend on India for talent,” he said, urging global investors to partner in Andhra Pradesh’s growth trajectory.