Andhra woos Google Cloud to setup design centre in Vizag to develop its own chips used in servers

Hyderabad: On the third day of his visit to Davos on Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu asked the Google Cloud Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Thomas Kurian to examine the possibilities of establishing a design centre in Visakhapatnam for developing its own chips used in servers.

The Chief Minister asked the Google Cloud CEO to set up a manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh to integrate its server supply chain to develop the state as the headquarters for services in maintenance of servers. The Chief Minister assured the CEO of complete cooperation from the state government.

Naidu also highlighted the state’s strategic advantages for global investments. The Chief Minister met leaders of top multinational corporations from across the world to showcase Andhra Pradesh as an ideal destination for cutting-edge technology, green energy, and infrastructure projects.

Google Cloud, the third-largest cloud provider globally, has already established two cloud regions in Delhi and Mumbai. It recently signed an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh Government to set up its 'Data City' in Visakhapatnam and also Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications while fostering skill development opportunities for local youth.

The Chief Minister also had detailed discussions with Muhammad Taufik, the President and the Group CEO of Petronas, Muhammad Taufik, a leading Malaysian oil and gas company. Petronas is currently planning to invest in India with regard to products like green hydrogen, green molicylous and green ammonia setting a target to generate five million tonnes of green ammonia annually by 2030.

The company is exploring the possibilities of investments of Rs 13,000 crore to Rs 15,000 crore in green hydrogen and ammonia plants in Kakinada. Naidu invited Petronas to expand further by investing in Mulapeta, which is fast emerging as a petrochemical hub, and the proposed Global Capability Center in the State.

During a meeting with the CEO of the PepsiCo International Beverages, Eugene Willemsen, and the PepsiCo foundation Chairman, Stephen Kehoe, Naidu proposed making Visakhapatnam its Global Delivery Centre making the city as its Digital Hub. He also told the top executives to expand their Global Business Services Centre to Visakhapatnam.

The Chief Minister proposed to PepsiCo to become a partner with the Andhra Pradesh Community Natural Farming (APCNF) initiative to benefit local farmers through its supply chain. He suggested setting up a Kurkure manufacturing unit in the State to enhance industrial growth and provide employment opportunities to the youth.

The Chief Minister also met a representative from the Bahrain Prime Minister’s Office, Hamad Al Mahmeed, and the CEO of Mumtalakat, Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Informing them about the progressive industrial policies brought in by the State Government, he invited investments in the State by emphasizing the State’s efficiency in facilitating businesses.