Vijayawada: Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday directed officials to prepare micro-level plans for the Visakha Economic Region (VER), envisioned as a major economic hub with an investment potential of ₹9.5 lakh crore.Reviewing the VER master plan, Naidu said the growth strategy should cover the entire stretch from Mulapeta Port in Srikakulam district to the proposed Akhanda Godavari project in Rajamahendravaram, integrating industry, tourism, logistics, urban development and infrastructure projects. He asked officials to ensure that development plans align with local aspirations while generating employment and attracting investments.Officials informed the chief minister that the region could attract ₹5.3 lakh crore in private investment, while an additional ₹3.5 lakh crore to ₹4 lakh crore would be required for public infrastructure and government-backed projects. They identified the proposed Google AI Data Centre and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel plant as key catalysts for North Andhra’s economic growth.Describing the proposed Vizag Bay City as the anchor project for the region, Naidu directed officials to constitute a special executive committee to oversee its implementation. He also said funds from various state and central schemes should be converged to accelerate urban development across the six urban development authorities within the VER region.Stressing that investments must translate into jobs, the chief minister directed officials to design skill development programmes tailored to the needs of emerging industries. He also asked departments to involve educational institutions in the planning process and suggested leveraging Andhra University’s expertise while preparing the region’s development blueprint.Calling for a globally competitive economic ecosystem, Naidu said the focus should be on global capability centres (GCCs), fintech, logistics, data centres, tourism and industrial ecosystems. He also asked officials to explore public-private partnership projects and viability gap funding support wherever feasible.Highlighting the importance of connectivity, Naidu said east-west integration is emerging as a national priority and should be incorporated into the region’s investment and infrastructure planning. He called for better road and rail connectivity and stronger links between the east coast and western India.The chief minister said linking the region’s four airports and three ports would significantly improve trade logistics and investment prospects. He also sought the integration of tourism projects, industrial corridors and township developments to ensure balanced growth across North Coastal Andhra Pradesh.Naidu further directed officials to ensure all projects comply with CRZ and coastal management regulations and asked departments to regularly communicate the benefits of ongoing projects, investments and employment opportunities to the public.He also proposed upgrading the Visakhapatnam Zoological Park into an international-standard tourism attraction, saying it has the potential to emerge as a major visitor destination as Visakhapatnam evolves into a global city.Senior officials from the finance, industries, municipal administration, tourism, energy, education and health departments attended the review meeting.