Piyush Goyal Meets Andhra Pradesh Industry Stakeholders in New Delhi

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with stakeholders from the aquaculture and tobacco industries of Andhra Pradesh in New Delhi on July 21. The discussions focused on strengthening the aquaculture sector to boost India's coastal economy and unlocking new avenues for export growth. Goyal emphasized the central government's commitment to ensuring better livelihoods for farmers through fair pricing and expanded access to domestic and international markets. The meeting included Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu and representatives from both the central and state governments.

Simultaneously, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu petitioned the central government for specific interventions to address rising input costs and global competition. Naidu requested permission to import genetically modified soybean meal for shrimp feed, regulations on fish meal exports to prioritize domestic supply, and export incentives for tobacco. He also sought a reduction in GST on aquaculture inputs and the establishment of a National Fisheries Development Board regional office in Amaravati.

In a separate diplomatic engagement in New Delhi, Goyal met with United Arab Emirates Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. The two ministers discussed deepening bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, tourism, and connectivity.