Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is currently in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum annual summit, has received positive indications from Walmart, PepsiCo and Walmart on starting new initiatives in the State.
Mr. Naidu interacted with Walmart International CEO, David Cheesewright, Wipro Chairman Azim Premji, PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi and Sunil Kant Munjal of the Hero Group on Wednesday.
During his interaction with Mr. David Cheesewright, Mr. Naidu was informed that Walmart was planning to open retail stores in Andhra Pradesh while creating opportunities to promote and purchase ‘Made in Andhra’ products. As many as 20 agricultural and horticultural products have been identified to be sourced from farmers and exported to international markets. Some of the products identified for sourcing are cashew, peanuts, rice, coconut, maize, pulses, fruits, marine products, Banana, Mango, Citrus, Egg, Dairy, Coffee, Papaya and Potato.
At least 100 products manufactured by the DWCRA women groups will be identified and promoted by Walmart. It will also source agri produce from local farmers, replicating this model as it has been doing in several countries.
Mr. Cheesewright will meet the Chief Minister soon to pursue the collaborations and that he would visit Andhra Pradesh in April 2015.
PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi informed Mr. Naidu that the company has agreed to buy the total production of 70 million tonnes of mango pulp in the State. The company also came forward to set up mango pulp units in Chittoor, Krishna and Godavari districts.
To encourage coconut farmers in Konaseema, PepsiCo has evinced interest in packaging and branding of tender coconut water.
Ms. Nooyi also said that the company was keen on buying jowar, papaya, banana and other agri and horticulture produce. She informed the Chief Minister that she will visit Andhra Pradesh in March to finalise the company’s collaboration with the State Government.
Vizag as digital city
Wipro has agreed to collaborate with the Andhra Pradesh government in developing Visakhapatnam as a digital city on a pilot basis. The company will also be associated in developing an e-Governance product through a joint venture.
During his meeting with Mr. Naidu, Wipro chairman Azim Premji assured the Chief Minister that he would help the state government in promoting industries. It would associate with the State in skill development. Wipro would also set up a soap (Santoor) factory in Hindupur, Anantapur and launch Wipro GE Health Care initiative.
While interacting with Hero Group’s Sunil Kant Munjal, the Chief Minister requested Hero to complete the project in Sri City at the earliest. Mr Munjal assured the Chief Minister that they will finish it in the said time.
Right time
Expressing happiness over the initiatives taken by the State government in promoting industries, Mr. Munjal suggested that this is the right time for AP to collaborate with Japan as they have the financial capacity to invest.
