Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has pledged his government's full support to non-resident Telugus (NRTs) who are interested in investing and establishing businesses in the state. Naidu made this announcement while addressing a Telugu diaspora meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, during his four-day visit to Davos for the 2026 edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The WEF annual meeting is taking place in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from January 19 to 23, 2026.
Naidu, accompanied by ministers Nara Lokesh and T.G. Bharat, along with senior officials, is attending the WEF with the aim of attracting global investments and strengthening economic partnerships for Andhra Pradesh. His itinerary includes 36 engagements, featuring inter-governmental meetings, one-on-one discussions with global CEOs, roundtables, panel discussions, and plenary sessions.
During the Telugu diaspora meeting, Naidu highlighted the numerous opportunities for entrepreneurship and industries in Andhra Pradesh, emphasizing that the state government is ready to cooperate with NRTs interested in venturing into business and trade. To further encourage NRTs to become industrialists, the Chief Minister announced a ₹50-crore corpus fund.
Naidu also spoke about the emerging "space city" in Andhra Pradesh, which will have satellite launching facilities, and expressed confidence that drone taxis would be operational in the state by the end of 2026. He also mentioned the potential deployment of drones as ambulances and in the agriculture sector.
Andhra Pradesh has established Non-Resident Telugu (NRT) networks in 148 countries. Naidu expressed his happiness in seeing Telugu communities thrive across 195 countries, preserving their cultural heritage by celebrating traditional festivals even while living abroad. He emphasized national pride and the Telugu identity, stating his wish to see the Telugu community achieve progress in all fields.
Naidu highlighted Andhra Pradesh's achievements over the past 18 months, noting investments from global giants like Google and ArcelorMittal, and initiatives in renewable energy, industrial growth, and technological innovation. The government is focusing on areas like AI, quantum computing, drones, healthcare, and agriculture to improve productivity and public welfare. The state has committed ₹22 lakh crore in investments, with the potential to create 20 lakh jobs.
Naidu is scheduled to meet with UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, and CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee. These meetings will focus on infrastructure, clean energy, manufacturing, and technology partnerships. Naidu will also interact with international media to highlight Andhra Pradesh's reform-driven approach.
Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a leading investment destination in India, accounting for over a quarter of the total proposed investments in the first nine months of FY26. This significant inflow is attributed to the state's investor-friendly policies and efficient governance. Major investments, including Google's data center project, underscore the state's growing economic prominence. Minister for IT, Electronics and Communications, Nara Lokesh, has credited the state's strong performance to consistent reforms, speed in decision-making, and an unambiguous commitment to investors.
Naidu's presence at Davos 2026 demonstrates his commitment to showcasing Andhra Pradesh's potential to global leaders and attracting further investment to the state.
