Nara Lokesh Highlights Andhra Pradesh’s Vision for Decentralized Growth and Investment-Friendly Ecosystem at San Francisco Meet

In a recent meeting organized by Indian Consul General K. Srikar Reddy in San Francisco, Andhra Pradesh's Minister of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, and Human Resources Development, Nara Lokesh, outlined the state’s forward-looking initiatives for decentralized development and fostering a business-friendly environment. Lokesh emphasized Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s commitment to attract large-scale investments, citing Kia Motors’ manufacturing plant in Anantapur district, established during the TDP regime (2014-2019), as a prime example of Naidu's dedication to bringing prominent businesses to Andhra Pradesh.

With Andhra Pradesh boasting the country’s second-largest coastline, the state government is developing several ports and focusing on targeted district-wise industrial hubs. Lokesh shared plans to transform Kurnool into a “Drone Valley,” and establish electronics manufacturing centers in Chittoor and Kadapa. Prakasam district is also being positioned as a biofuel ecosystem, while the government plans to fast-track construction of the capital city beginning December 2024.

Additional projects include boosting aqua exports, petrochemicals, and green hydrogen production in the Godavari districts, alongside initiatives in chemicals and pharmaceuticals in the north coastal areas. Visakhapatnam is set to host a Civil Aviation University and a data center, with TCS gearing up to commence operations in the port city soon.

Consul General Reddy expressed his support, commending Andhra Pradesh’s efforts to revitalize the industrial landscape under Naidu’s leadership. Key attendees included Additional Secretary to A.P. CM Karthikeya Mishra and AP Economic Development Board CEO C.M. Saikanth Varma, who echoed the government’s commitment to this transformative vision.