CM Naidu discusses food cluster, horticulture exports with UAE minister

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday held talks with UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri on setting up a food cluster in the State and creating a value chain for horticultural exports.

The CM stated that the initiative originated from discussions held during this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, where the UAE had expressed its willingness to establish the food cluster in Andhra.

“The United Arab Emirates has decided to establish a food cluster in Andhra Pradesh and partner with the state to create a value chain for exporting mangoes, bananas, cocoa and other horticultural produce to international markets,” a press release said.

Under the proposed partnership, the Andhra Pradesh Government and the UAE will develop an integrated value chain to facilitate the export of mangoes, bananas, cocoa and other horticultural produce to international markets.

The proposed food cluster is expected to boost the State’s food processing sector through value addition and stronger export linkages, the press release said.