Hyderabad: US Ambassador to India Richard Verma met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at Secretariat today to discuss the areas of collaboration between the U.S. Government and the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

During the meeting,  Verma enquired about the investment opportunities for US companies in the Defence sector, education, science and technology,  IT, tourism, infrastructure and ports in Andhra Pradesh.

The Chief Minister expressed the potential for tourism in the state and also said that AP has the potential to become the logistics hub of South East Asia.

Verma also enquired about the ease of doing business in Andhra Pradesh. Replying to  Verma’s query, the Chief Minister said that the AP government now provides clearance within 21 days and has a single-desk policy.

"We also have a deemed clause which states that if permission is not given within 21 days, it will be deemed given, the Chief Minister informed.

On partnership with the US on developing Visakhapatnam as a smart city, the Chief Minister said things have to be worked out fast and work has to begin immediately.

The Chief Minister briefed Verma that AP has set international benchmarks in every field. "This is the best time to invest in India," he said.

Stating that AP will become the best state in India by 2029, the Chief Minister said  Verma could explore options of sending Governors of coastal state of the US to Andhra Pradesh.

South Africa Minister meets Naidu

In another meeting with South Africa’s Minister for Trade and Industry Mzwandile Masina, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister  N. Chandrababu Naidu welcomed companies from the country to invest in Andhra Pradesh.

Masina informed the Chief Minister that the country has expertise in automobile, infrastructure including construction of new cities and airports and, mining. The Chief Minister informed the Trade and Industry Minister about AP’s advantages and opportunities in the new State of Andhra Pradesh.