Why Indian minister wishes to emulate UAE's success in his state

abu dhabi - He moots the idea of establishing a 'UAE City' in his new state capital of Amaravati

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has mooted the idea of establishing a 'UAE City' in his new state capital of Amaravati.
He was in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this week for an investment roadshow and said he was overwhelmed by the response from ministers, officials, companies and residents. The chief minister also announced a slew of measures for the benefit of non-resident Telugus.

Following Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation in 2014, Hyderabad become the capital of Telangana and will remain the de jure capital of both states for a period of time not exceeding 10 years. The man who made Hyderabad the IT hub of India is now looking at innovative ways to draw investments into Andhra Pradesh.

Amaravati will have cities based on nine themes - government, finance, knowledge, justice, health, sports, tourism, media and electronics. The vision mirrors that of of Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park and others.

Naidu outlined his vision for Andhra Pradesh, which sees the state emerging as the best happiness destination in the world by 2050. "By 2029, Andhra Pradesh will be No. 1 not only in economic indicators but also in the happiness index. We will have a happiness department," he said during an investment roadshow jointly held by the Indian Business and Professional Group and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India - Abu Dhabi chapter. He urged members to invest in Andhra Pradesh.

"If all of you bring one industry to Amaravati, then it will become a hub for UAE investment. I want to create a 'UAE City' in Amaravati. There will be a direct flight to Amaravati. You may come there in the morning, do your business and return by evening," he said. Naidu also held talks with top officials of Emirates and Etihad Airways.

He claims to have received a positive response from the UAE. "All Abu Dhabi and Dubai government functionaries have offered me their cooperation," Naidu said. "I am thinking of creating a UAE task force, which can be in touch with people and investors here."

"I created one city and will make one more, which will be among the top five cities of the world. I have a proven track record in Hyderabad. I am a believer in development and everything is possible," he added.

With a vast network of ports, airports, railway, six-lane national highways, inland waterways, skilled manpower and mineral wealth, Andhra Pradesh has all factors to draw investors, Naidu said.

"Amaravati will have nine cities and 27 townships. It will be a hub and other places will be a spoke model."

His biggest challenge, however, will be making the state drought-proof. "The UAE is treating sewage water in a big way and they are also doing desalination. Despite facing problems related to high temperature, no water and no soil, they made a desert into heaven."

Naidu said his state posted 11.72 per cent growth in the first quarter of this year. "I am planning 15 per cent year-on-year growth. We want to become a developed state."

Two UAE-based companies have expressed interest to invest in the state - LuLu Group with projects in Visakhapatnam and BRS Ventures in Amaravati.

Helpline for Telugus
The chief minister highlighted new schemes for non-resident Telugus. He said there would be Rs1 million premium insurance, a relief fund for emergency cases and a helpline. Naidu said those in distress could seek the embassy's help. He promised that there would be an institute where blue-collar workers could upgrade their skills.

- ashwani@khaleejtimes.com