In Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh is pushing hard to make the city a new economic powerhouse. State Education, IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh told a gathering in Sydney that the state wants to grow Visakhapatnam into a trillion‑dollar corridor by 2047.
Lokesh highlighted that Andhra Pradesh has already attracted more than Rs 10 lakh crore (about $14 billion) in investment over the last 16 months. He said the goal is to turn the state into a $2.4‑trillion economy by the end of this century.
The minister is in Australia to promote the upcoming CII Partnership Summit, scheduled for Nov. 14–15 in Visakhapatnam. He met with top university leaders, public training bodies and industry executives to show how Andhra Pradesh is gearing up to be India’s next innovation and investment hub.
Why Visakhapatnam?
Lokesh praised the city’s rapid rise as a data and manufacturing center. He pointed out its 1,051‑kilometre coastline, world‑class infrastructure and pro‑business policies. “When you sign an MoU with Andhra Pradesh, it’s not just your project—it’s ours too,” he said. The state promises “hand‑holding” and swift approvals at every stage.
The minister said Andhra Pradesh keeps investors updated on a daily basis, even via WhatsApp, to make sure projects run smoothly.
Why India?
Lokesh explained that Andhra Pradesh’s leadership—under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu—has made the state one of the most business‑friendly in the country. He compared the state’s recent growth to Hyderabad’s transformation under the same leader.
He urged global investors to see the state’s energy and opportunity firsthand, and to join a plan to create 2 million jobs in the next five years. “When Indian states compete for investments, India wins,” he told the crowd.
Talks with UNSW
During a visit to the University of New South Wales, Lokesh met senior researchers to discuss joint programmes, student exchanges and skills development. The focus would be on STEM, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and public health. He called for collaborative research on sustainable agriculture and water management, and asked UNSW for help setting up innovation hubs in Andhra Pradesh.
UNSW, known for its breakthroughs in solar cars, quantum computing and medical science, said it was ready to partner further. The university already works with top Indian institutions and tech hubs.
Key Takeaways
- Andhra Pradesh wants Visakhapatnam to become a trillion‑dollar economic corridor.
- The state has pulled in over Rs 10 lakh crore in just 16 months.
- A CII Partnership Summit in November will invite investors to the city.
- The state pledges fast approvals, daily updates and a “hand‑holding” approach to projects.
- Partnerships with UNSW will expand STEM, AI, renewable energy and public‑health research.
- The goal is 2 million new jobs and a $2.4‑trillion economy by 2047.
Investors watching India’s rapid reforms can’t miss Visakhapatnam’s push to become a regional hub for industry, technology and business growth.
Source: ianslive
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