Switzerland is looking at setting up a Rs 2,000 crores mega textile park in Andhra Pradesh. Swiss-based Gherzi Textile Unit will invest in the textile park. The company says the challenge in Andhra Pradesh lies in adding value to cotton production by weaving and not merely by ginning.

Switzerland is also looking at setting up a solar panel manufacturing plant at an initial investment of $200 million. The solar panel manufacturing company, Meyer Burger, has shown interest in establishing an export-driven project and is considering Visakhapatnam and Kakinada as suitable locations.

Meanwhile Andhra Pradesh has invited Telugu-speaking NRIs settled in Switzerland to set up new industries in the state and be a part of the state’s development process and its flagship Smart Village-Smart Ward program. BKW Engineering Company has been invited to study Andhra Pradesh’s hydro resources and come up with a project proposal after it offered to partner with the state in the conventional energy sector.

Andhra hopes to develop into a knowledge and education hub. NRIs are expected to play an important role in providing access to markets and technology. Ethical Coffee Company has been invited to explore organic coffee plantations at Araku in Visakhapatnam district and ArStaeco to participate in the ongoing e-tendering processing for waste energy in Visakhapatnam.