UK for collaborations in fintech, tourism, EV in Andhra Pradesh

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh Government and a high-power delegation from Britain have resolved to explore collaboration to boost bilateral trade in the areas of fintech, agritech, acqua processing and exports, tourism tech and electric vehicles.

Various issues for collaboration and investment opportunities in various areas came up for discussion at a meeting Gudivada Amarnath, Minister for Industries, Infrastructure, Investment, Commerce and IT held With Andrew Fleming, Deputy High Commissioner, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Alan Gemmell OBE, Her Majesty's Trade Commissioner for South Asia and Varun Mali, Deputy Head of Mission, Head of Trade & Investment. From AP, Rameshwar K and Amuktha Meher representing AP Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) accompanied Amarnath during the informal talks. An aide of the Minister told Bizz Buzz that the talks evoked a positive response. Dr Andrew said that IT is the most emerging sector in India and Visakhapatnam with its picturesque locations had all the ingredients to become an IT hub. He said the city could offer employment opportunities to many due to digital transformation post-pandemic. Amarnath requested the British officials for building the focus sectors with their expertise and suggested to plan trade partnerships through summits.

Accordingly, Allan mentioned that AP being the top exporter of seafood and aqua products, the British High Commission could consider co-hosting a shrimp summit to enhance trade relations. The British High Commission also showed keen interest for partnership in renewable energy such as green hydrogen and advised AP to make use of its long coastline by exploring offshore wind energy opportunities as many UK based companies are looking forward to investing.

Promises full support

Earlier, when a delegation from IT Association of AP (ITAAP) called on him, Amarnath promised all possible help to make Visakhapatnam a prominent IT hub by promoting it as an investment destination.