Kolkata: Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh has invited investors and industry leaders to become partners in the state’s growth story, highlighting speed, stability and service as the three pillars driving Andhra Pradesh’s investment ecosystem.
Addressing a plenary session on “Investment Opportunities in Andhra Pradesh” at the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Plenary held at ITC Sonar in Kolkata, Lokesh said strong states are the foundation of a strong nation and stressed the importance of healthy competition among states to accelerate India’s economic growth.
Speaking before industrialists, business leaders and policymakers, Lokesh said Kolkata occupies a unique place in India’s intellectual, cultural and economic history.
“There is a saying that what Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow. It is always a privilege to be in Kolkata, a city that has played a defining role in shaping modern India,” he said.
Healthy Competition Among States Essential
Lokesh revealed that he had recently met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and discussed development and job creation. He said states should compete to deliver better outcomes while also collaborating to strengthen the Indian economy.
He noted that Banerjee had shown keen interest in Andhra Pradesh’s land pooling model and sought details on how the state had successfully convinced farmers to participate in the Amaravati capital development project.
“Land is an emotional issue for every Indian. Yet we were able to convince farmers that their future and the future of their children are linked to economic growth and employment generation,” he said.
He added that India is currently at a pivotal moment, with both Western and Eastern economies looking towards the country as a major growth destination.
Andhra Pradesh Leading in Reforms
Lokesh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for providing policy stability and driving reforms at the national level.
He said Andhra Pradesh has emerged as one of the leading states in implementing reforms and claimed that nearly 25 per cent of investments coming into India are being attracted to the state.
Speed, Stability and Service
Explaining Andhra Pradesh’s investment strategy, Lokesh said the state’s competitive advantage can be summed up through three “S”s — Speed, Stability and Service.
“Investors no longer judge governments by promises. They judge them by how quickly decisions are taken and implemented. We have moved beyond ease of doing business to speed of doing business,” he said.
He highlighted several examples of rapid project execution, including securing Google’s proposed investment in Andhra Pradesh, attracting ArcelorMittal through direct engagement and acquiring 600 acres for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project at Puttaparthi and commencing work within 37 days.
According to Lokesh, policy continuity and investor confidence form the second pillar of Andhra Pradesh’s growth strategy.
“Investors need assurance that governments will honour commitments and maintain policy consistency. Andhra Pradesh provides that confidence,” he said.
The third pillar, he said, is service.
“Governments traditionally see themselves as regulators. We see ourselves as service providers. Investors are our customers and we are here to serve them,” Lokesh said, invoking the business principle that ‘Customer is God’.
Vision 2047 and New Growth Engines
Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh has set an ambitious target of becoming a $2.4 trillion economy by 2047. He noted that the state has already signed investment agreements worth ₹24 lakh crore and is focused on converting those commitments into grounded projects.
He expressed confidence that the Visakhapatnam Economic Region could achieve in a decade the kind of transformation Hyderabad witnessed over the past 30 years.
The minister also announced plans to establish a Gems and Jewellery Park in Mangalagiri, creating a complete ecosystem for jewellery manufacturing and exports.
He added that the Bhogapuram International Airport is expected to be inaugurated in July, providing a major boost to connectivity and investment prospects in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Cluster-Based Industrial Development
Lokesh said the government is pursuing a cluster and zone-based development strategy, creating integrated ecosystems for industries rather than isolated projects.
“Once you partner with Andhra Pradesh, it is no longer your project alone; it becomes our project. We will stand with you through every stage of execution,” he said.
Highlighting the youthful character of the current government, he noted that nearly half the MLAs in the Assembly are first-time legislators and 17 of the 25 ministers are new to government.
“We are working with passion and urgency. There are no egos. We are ready to solve problems and facilitate investments. I am just a WhatsApp message away,” he told investors.
Calling for deeper engagement between industry and government, Lokesh urged business leaders to join Andhra Pradesh in building a world-class industrial ecosystem.
“Strong states create a strong nation. Let us work together to build a stronger Andhra Pradesh and a stronger India,” he said.
The session was attended by ICC President and Shyam Metalics & Energy Ltd CMD Brij Bhushan Agarwal, ICC Vice-President and Century Plyboards India Ltd Executive Director Keshav Bhajanka, Sattva Group Managing Director Bijay Agarwal, ICC Senior Vice-President and Ambuja Neotia Group Executive Director Parthiv Vikram Neotia, along with leading industrialists and business executives.