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Naidu proposes Centre of Excellence for Health Innovation and Diagnostics in AP

CM meets Bill Gates in Davos

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Ministers N. Chandrababu Naidu, Revanth Reddy and Devendra Fadnavis attended the Country Strategic Dialogue meeting in Davos on the third day of the World Economic Forum summit.

The meeting provided a platform for state leaders to present their developmental priorities and attract international investments. Each leader highlighted their respective state's strengths and outlined strategies to address global challenges like sustainable development, technological advancements and economic growth.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu emphasized his state's initiatives in fostering industrial growth and digital transformation, projecting AP as a hub for innovation and technology.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy showcased his state’s commitment to becoming an industrial powerhouse while maintaining a focus on green energy and sustainability. Maharashtra’s Fadnavis highlighted the state’s progress in infrastructure and its pivotal role in India's financial ecosystem.

During the day, Naidu met Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), on the sidelines of the WEF summit. The meeting focused on forging partnerships to transform AP into a global hub for health, education and innovation.

Naidu proposed to Bill Gates the establishment of a Center of Excellence for Health Innovation and Diagnostics in Andhra Pradesh. Highlighting the potential of this centre to deliver cutting-edge healthcare services to the public, the Chief Minister emphasised the state’s commitment to leveraging innovation to improve public health outcomes.

Naidu invited Bill Gates to join the advisory board for the proposed Artificial Intelligence University in Andhra Pradesh. This initiative aims to position the state as a leader in AI research and development, aligning with global advancements in technology and education.

The AP Chief Minister also met Willem Uijen, chief supply chain officer of Unilever, a global leader in consumer goods known for its food, home care, beauty and personal care products. Operating in India under the name Hindustan Unilever, the company is looking to expand in line with India’s growing demand.

As part of its expansion, Unilever is considering setting up a palm oil industry with an investment of `330 crore in Andhra Pradesh. The chief minister highlighted Visakhapatnam as an ideal location for a technology centre related to Unilever’s beauty portfolio.

Naidu said Hindustan Unilever could benefit from the state’s vast agricultural output, which would support food processing, beauty and home care product manufacturing. He invited the company to invest further in the state.

In a meeting with Roberto Bocca, a member of the WEF’s executive committee and head of the Centre for Energy and Materials (Cenmat), the chief minister sought assistance in attracting global investments to AP in areas such as green hydrogen, battery storage and solar manufacturing. He also requested the WEF’s support for establishing a Clean Energy Knowledge and Skill Development Centre in the state.


( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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