Andhra Pradesh eyes big ticket investments as Minister Kondapallu lures Telugu NRIs in Swiss | Vijayawada News
VIJAYAWADA: In a fervent appeal to the global Telugu diaspora, Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Empowerment and Relations, Kondapalli Srinivas, has called upon overseas Andhraites to actively contribute to the state’s ambitious growth trajectory.Speaking during his ongoing week-long official visit to Switzerland, the minister emphasized the pivotal role NRIs can play in fostering economic and social progress back home, particularly by leveraging their expertise to establish innovative micro and medium-scale industries in their native villages. The minister’s remarks came at a vibrant meet-and-greet event organized by the Telugu Association of Switzerland (TAS) in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS) in Zurich.
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The gathering, which drew a large turnout from the Swiss Telugu community, provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on bridging the gap between the diaspora and their roots. Kondapalli Srinivas, who arrived in Switzerland as part of a broader itinerary that included participation in the Global SME Summit in Davos earlier in the week, used the occasion to highlight the transformative vision of chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s administration. Addressing an enthusiastic audience, Kondapalli Srinivas painted a picture of Andhra Pradesh as a rapidly emerging hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. “Under the dynamic leadership of chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh is poised for unprecedented development. I urge our brothers and sisters abroad to invest not just their resources, but also their creative ideas and global experiences to uplift our villages and communities,” he stated. He specifically encouraged the establishment of MSME units, drawing from the state’s supportive policies like subsidies, skill development programs under SERP, and eased regulatory frameworks designed to attract NRI investments. The minister assured attendees that the government would provide all necessary assistance, including streamlined approvals and access to financial incentives, to make such ventures successful. Beyond economic contributions, the minister laid strong emphasis on cultural preservation and familial bonds. He urged the overseas Andhraites to maintain unbreakable ties with their motherland, ensuring that Telugu traditions, language, and heritage are passed down to the next generation. “Our culture is our identity. Introduce your children to the richness of Telugu literature, festivals, and arts through regular engagement. Involve them in educational and cultural programs that connect them to their roots—this will not only preserve our legacy but also inspire them to contribute meaningfully,” he added. The event unfolded in a joyful and interactive atmosphere, filled with traditional Telugu music, folk performances, and a sumptuous spread of authentic Andhra cuisine, evoking a slice of home for the attendees.Several members of the Swiss Telugu community stepped forward to express their keen interest in supporting Andhra Pradesh’s social and economic initiatives. Discussions touched on potential collaborations in sectors like fintech, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable agriculture—areas where the minister had earlier engaged with global leaders at the Davos SME Summit.A tech professional from Zurich, shared his plans to explore agro-tech startups in his native Vizianagaram district, inspired by the minister’s vision for drone-enabled farming and rural empowerment. The program was seamlessly coordinated by key figures from the community Tatikonda Kishore and Sunny Mudunuru from TAS and Shri Sreekrishna Valluri from APNRTS.TAS, a non-profit organization founded to unite Telugu speakers in Switzerland, has been instrumental in promoting cultural events and community welfare since its inception. This event marks a milestone in their efforts to foster stronger ties with Andhra Pradesh, aligning with the state government’s proactive NRI outreach. As Minister Kondapalli Srinivas continues his Swiss engagements—including potential meetings with Swiss business leaders on blockchain, AI, and green energy—the visit is expected to yield concrete partnerships that could boost remittances and reverse brain drain. “Your success abroad is our pride, but your contributions at home will be our shared legacy. Let us build a Swarna Andhra together,” said Kondapalli.This visit not only strengthens the emotional and economic bridges between Switzerland’s Telugu community and Andhra Pradesh but also signals the state’s broader strategy to harness the diaspora’s potential for sustainable development. As Andhra Pradesh eyes a $42,000 per capita income by 2047 under CM Naidu’s Vision 2047, initiatives like these are crucial in mobilizing global Telugu talent and capital.
