Foundation stone for AM/NS plant to be laid in A.P. after February 15

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met ArcelorMittal Executive Chairman Lakshmi N. Mittal and CEO Aditya Mittal at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Wednesday. It was decided to lay the foundation stone for the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel plant after February 15.  IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh and Industries & Commerce Ministers T.G. Bharat were present.

Both sides discussed the status of the integrated steel plant proposed in Anakapalli district, with an initial investment of approximately ₹60,000 crore and various clearances and permits required for the project. 

Mr. Naidu hoped that the construction of the steel plant would be completed at the earliest, while assuring the ArcelorMittal team of prompt issue of the necessary permissions. He advised Mr. Lokesh and Mr. Bharat to work with the Central government for facilitating the project. 

Mr. Naidu briefed Mr. Mittal on the investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh and wished he would explore the same. 

Earlier, Mr. Naidu had interactions with Calibo AI Academy founder and executive chairman Raj Vattikuti, CEO Scott Sandschafer and S. Shibulal of Tamara Leisure Experiences among others. 

He suggested that Calibo AI offer skill training programmes in universities across the State and establish a Centre of Excellence in the IT SEZ at Madhurawada in Visakhapatnam. 

During his discussions with the Tamara team, Mr. Naidu highlighted the potential for tourism projects along the Godavari River (from Polavaram to Bhadrachalam), and in areas such as Konaseema, Gandikota, Araku and Lambasingi.

The company expressed interest in setting up eco-tourism parks in tribal areas and home-stay projects in Visakhapatnam and offered to provide skill training to tribal youth under their Community First initiative.