P. Narayana, Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development of Andhra Pradesh, has invited the Dubai-headquartered Apparel Group, which operates over 2,300 stores across 14 countries and manages more than 25 global brands such as Skechers and Tommy Hilfiger, to consider expanding its presence in the state’s retail and manufacturing ecosystem.
During his investment-promotion visit to Dubai, Narayana met with Apparel Group Chairman Nilesh Ved, CEO Neeraj Gandhi and CBO Kamal Kotak. The minister briefed them on Andhra Pradesh’s pro-industry policy framework, improving infrastructure and investor facilitation mechanisms, describing the state as “one of the most business-friendly destinations” in the country.
He emphasised the state government’s commitment to providing end-to-end support for new ventures, including fast-track clearances and a single-window system, and pointed to the state’s growing consumer base and improving logistics as key advantages for investment.
The invitation to Apparel Group forms part of a broader outreach by the Andhra Pradesh government to attract global investors ahead of the CII Partnership Summit scheduled in Visakhapatnam. Narayana urged Dubai-based companies to participate in the summit and to view the state as a strategic base for both retail expansion and domestic manufacturing.
Officials say the Apparel Group is now expected to conduct a feasibility study and engage with the state’s Industries Department regarding potential investment in retail outlets, integrated store-manufacturing units and logistics-enabled supply chains in Andhra Pradesh.
The minister’s appeal signals the state’s intent to strengthen its position in the apparel and lifestyle retail sector while linking it to its ambition of becoming a manufacturing and logistics hub in southern India.
