Piyush Goyal, Naidu, Pawan Kalyan tour Andhra Pradesh Pavilion at CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister Piyush Goyal practice tribal art at the Andhra Pradesh Pavilion during the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan visited the Andhra Pradesh Pavilion on Thursday (November 12, 2026) ahead of the inaugural session of the 31st CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam.

Accompanied by State IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh and state BJP chief PVN Madhav, the leaders inspected various stalls showcasing the state’s industrial map, cultural heritage and indigenous products.

During this tour, senior officials of the Union Minister and Chief Minister briefed about the ongoing infrastructure and industrial projects across Tirupati, Visakhapatnam and Amaravati Economic Regions.

Big day for Vizag! The world is here as we launch the 31st CII Partnership Summit @CII_PS @FollowCII. And today I am wearing the pride of our weavers, a handloom jacket. We proudly support the hands that keep Andhra’s craft traditions alive. Can you guess which craft it represents? #CIIPartnershipSummit2026 #ChooseSpeedChooseAP

— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) November 12, 2026

The officials also made detailed presentations on the ongoing development works within Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) limits along with a digital presentation highlighting the growth trajectory of Visakhapatnam.

The leaders also reviewed the exhibition detailing the expansion of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in various parts of the state.

They visited stalls of traditional state arts and handicrafts including ‘Tholu Bommalata’ (leather puppetry), Pen Kalamkari and various tribal art works.

Foreign delegates arrive at the Andhra University Engineering College Grounds in Visakhapatnam on Thursday for the two-day CII Partnership Summit. | Photo credit: KR Deepak

Mr. Naidu briefed Mr. Goyal about the dedicated exhibition honoring eminent personalities from Andhra Pradesh across various disciplines of art and explained their respective contributions and mastery.

In the tribal art section, the Union Minister and the Chief Minister had a thorough look at the paintings and had a go at sketching sample designs.

Highlights from 31st CII Partnership Summit: Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and K. Rammohan Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh and other dignitaries visited Andhra Pavilion in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. The Summit is being held under the theme “Navigating the Changing Global Dynamics with Business, Technology, Trust and Mindset Leadership”. Photo credit: Special arrangement

— The Hindu (@the_hindu) November 12, 2026

The dignitaries also posed for photographs in front of installations depicting the culture and traditions of Andhra Pradesh. Later, Mr. Goyal, Mr. Naidu, Mr. Pawan Kalyan, Mr. Lokesh and Mr. Madhav visited the Araku coffee stall to taste the locally grown tribal beer.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Goyal, Mr. Naidu and Mr. Pawan Kalyan took a short ride together in a battery-powered vehicle across the summit venue.

Published – 12 Nov 2026 11:54 IST