-
Minister Kondapalli lures Telugu NRIs in Switzerland to invest
-
Call to invest in MSMEs, culture, and innovation back home
Minister for MSME, SERP, and NRI Empowerment, Kondapalli Srinivas, has urged overseas Telugu communities to play a central role in Andhra Pradesh’s growth journey by investing in micro and medium enterprises, transferring global expertise, and preserving cultural heritage, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Speaking at a diaspora meet in Zurich during his official visit to Switzerland, Srinivas highlighted the vision of CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s administration, which aims to transform Andhra Pradesh into a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. He called on NRIs to establish MSME units in their native villages, leveraging state-backed subsidies, SERP skill development programs, and simplified regulatory frameworks.
“Your success abroad is our pride, but your contributions at home will be our shared legacy. Let us build a Swarna Andhra together,” the minister said.
-
The event, organised by the Telugu Association of Switzerland (TAS) in collaboration with APNRTS, drew a large turnout of the Swiss Telugu community
-
It featured cultural performances, traditional music, and authentic Andhra cuisine, creating a sense of home for attendees
Building bridges with the diaspora
Kondapalli Srinivas assured attendees that the government will provide all necessary assistance, from streamlined approvals to financial incentives, for NRI-led ventures. He also stressed the importance of cultural ties, urging parents to introduce their children to Telugu literature, festivals, and heritage to ensure traditions endure across generations.
Several NRIs expressed interest in supporting Andhra Pradesh’s initiatives in fintech, pharmaceuticals, agro-tech, and sustainable farming, inspired by the minister’s engagements at the Global SME Summit in Davos. A Zurich-based tech professional even shared plans for drone-enabled farming in Vizianagaram.
The program was coordinated by TAS leaders Tatikonda Kishore and Sunny Mudunuru, along with APNRTS representative Shri Sreekrishna Valluri.
As Andhra Pradesh targets a $42,000 per capita income by 2047 under Vision 2047, the minister’s Swiss outreach is seen as a key step toward mobilising global Telugu talent and reversing brain drain. The visit is also expected to strengthen business ties with Swiss leaders in blockchain, AI, and green energy, paving the way for concrete partnerships.
