File Photo: Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N Chandrababu Naidu.
Retail giant Walmart will work with Andhra Pradesh government in five areas, including branding and marketing of the state's products, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said in Hyderabad today.
"Walmart is a global retail giant. An understanding has been reached on working together in five areas. Helping with technology under CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), doing branding for 'Made in Andhra' products through retail stores and providing international market for more than 20 horticulture products like cashew, peanuts, rice, coconut...," he told reporters.
Mr Naidu was briefing reporters on his recent visit to the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, where he met honchos of Walmart and other top private companies.
"They (Walmart) source products within the state. If need be, they would source the products from here (AP) and sell where they have marketing networks. They have accepted this (request). They will brand about 100 items made by self-help groups and promote them. They have also come forward to provide technical expertise to farmers," he said.
On his meeting with software major Wipro Chairman Azim Premji and other officials of the company, Mr Naidu said he discussed an idea of AP government and Wipro setting up a Joint Venture to work in the area of e-governance. The proposed JV would also offer consultancy services to other governments in the country.
"Modalities are being worked out," he said.
Wipro has assured it will expand its facility for Santoor brand of soaps at Hindupur in Anantapur district, he said.
On his meeting with Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka and other top officials, Mr Naidu said he has requested them to set up a centre either at Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada or Tirupati.