From Our Correspondent
Brisbane (Australia): Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh attended a high-level Business Roundtable meeting organised at the Consulate General of India in Brisbane. The meeting was attended by Consul General Neetu M. Bhagat and representatives of the Australia–India Business Council (AIBC).
Speaking at the event, Minister Lokesh said the India–Australia trade partnership has evolved into a robust and mutually beneficial relationship. He noted that Andhra Pradesh plays a key role in India’s exports to Australia, which include refined petroleum, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, electrical machinery, textiles, jewellery, and agricultural products.
Referring to the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) that came into force in December 2022, Lokesh said it has become a game-changer in bilateral trade, with merchandise trade doubling from $12.2 billion in 2020–21 to $24.1 billion in 2024–25.
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s transformation under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s visionary leadership, Lokesh said the state government has been implementing “Speed of Doing” and “Ease of Doing Business” policies, making AP one of India’s most investor-friendly destinations. Over the past 16 months, the state has attracted investments exceeding ₹10 lakh crore.
He cited major projects such as Google’s ₹1.33 lakh crore AI Hub in Visakhapatnam—the largest FDI in India’s history—and ArcelorMittal’s ₹1.35 lakh crore steel plant near Anakapalli, which will be the country’s largest integrated steel facility.
Lokesh invited Australian industrialists to attend the Partnership Summit 2025, to be held on November 14–15 in Visakhapatnam, to explore Andhra Pradesh’s industrial policies, investment incentives, and world-class infrastructure.
“Andhra Pradesh is fast emerging as the gateway for global investments into India. We are creating an ecosystem where industries can thrive with ease, transparency, and speed,” Lokesh said.