Thai firm keen on investing in State.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recentlyy met a delegation of the Thai embassy and CP Group, a multi-billion dollar company.

Thai Ambassador to India Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi was accompanied by Sudchai Rujithanawat from the Thai Consulate, Jaasthi Krishna Kishore, CEO of AP Economic Development Board, and R. S. Naik, Commissioner of the Fisheries Department, among others.

The CP Group is a $45-billion company with a presence in around 100 countries.

Their Advisor, Datuk Suhaidi Bin Sulaiman, and Chief Financial Officer Chainan Nuphet talked about the various sectors that they would like to explore in AP.

The firm is interested in setting up a mega park for integrated agro-processing and horticulture.

Chairman Pratan Jongpun said the group was also interested in collaborating with the government in training 3,000 students every year in entrepreneurship and communication. They have a worldwide presence in animal husbandry, aquaculture and poultry farming.

The Chief Minister explained to the team members the success of the farmers in the State in becoming top exporters in aquaculture, and a potential hub for horticulture.

“The climate of the State is optimum for agriculture and we have good natural resources to practice all allied sectors. Our people are extremely enterprising and creative and are strong in IT and medicine sectors,” Mr. Naidu said.

The Chief Minister suggested that the company could set up a unit in association with the mega seed park planned in Kurnool. “Agriculture will consistently grow at 25-30%, like the first quarter this year,” he said.

The CP Group is also keen on starting hatcheries in Amaravati and bringing modern technology to Andhra Pradesh.

The delegates expressed interest in connecting the Thai government with the AP government and building a Buddhist temple in Amaravati in traditional Thai architecture.

The AP Economic Development Board will connect the group to the Departments of Food Processing and Agriculture to discuss the way forward.

THE HINDU