From Our Correspondent
Seoul, South Korea: Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh held a series of high-level meetings with senior South Korean government officials and industry leaders in Seoul, seeking investments across electric vehicles, semiconductors, advanced electronics, data centres, green energy and skill development as part of the state’s industrial growth strategy.
The minister met Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, South Korea’s Vice Minister for Political Affairs and Foreign Affairs, Kamchan Kang, Vice Minister for International Trade and Investment, and executives of Sunic System Co. Ltd., presenting Andhra Pradesh as a preferred destination for Korean investments.
Andhra Pradesh offers ‘3S’ investment model
During his meeting with Vice Minister Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh’s 3S policy—Speed, Stability and Service—provides a strong foundation for global investors and makes the state one of India’s most reliable investment destinations.
He invited South Korean companies to leverage Andhra Pradesh’s investor-friendly ecosystem, highlighting tax incentives, competitively priced industrial land, subsidies and a stable policy environment.
With geopolitical tensions disrupting global supply chains, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh’s strategic location on India’s east coast offers a secure, dependable and friendly manufacturing base for Korean companies seeking supply chain diversification.
Beyond heavy industries, he invited investments in green energy, consumer goods, modern retail, tourism and advanced electronics.
The minister also proposed setting up joint skill development academies to train local youth in Korean language, work culture and industrial practices before factories commence operations. He further requested the establishment of a Korean Cultural Centre in Andhra Pradesh to strengthen people-to-people ties.
Invitation to establish display equipment manufacturing unit
Lokesh also met Sunic System Co. Ltd. CEO SW Chung and senior company executives, inviting the South Korean technology company to establish a display equipment manufacturing facility at Sri City in Andhra Pradesh.
He assured the company of government support for a potential joint venture and said incentives would be available under both the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and the Andhra Pradesh Semiconductor and Display Fab Policy.
The minister also proposed collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation and universities to develop specialised training programmes in semiconductor technologies.
Responding to the proposal, SW Chung said Sunic System manufactures advanced vacuum thin-film deposition equipment used in OLED displays, semiconductor manufacturing and perovskite solar technologies. He noted that the company currently has no operations in Andhra Pradesh but would evaluate the state’s proposals.
Partnership for knowledge economy and future technologies
In a separate meeting with Vice Minister for International Trade and Investment Kamchan Kang, Lokesh sought South Korea’s partnership in transforming Andhra Pradesh into a knowledge economy under the state’s Swarna Andhra 2047 vision.
He requested Korean universities and institutions to help build a future-ready deep-tech workforce by supporting skill development in electronics, semiconductors, shipbuilding and footwear manufacturing, contributing to Andhra Pradesh’s target of creating two million jobs by 2029.
Lokesh also proposed stronger collaboration between Andhra Pradesh and South Korean universities through student and faculty exchange programmes, curriculum development, joint research and technology transfer in areas including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, clean technology, health technology, electronics, semiconductors and innovation ecosystems.
As part of the state’s “One Family – One Entrepreneur” vision, he suggested partnerships between Andhra Pradesh’s universities and research institutions and leading Korean innovation hubs such as Magok Science Park and the National NanoFab Center.
Proposal for Korea Industrial Park and 10 GW data centre ecosystem
The minister also proposed the establishment of a dedicated Korea Industrial Park in Andhra Pradesh to serve Korean companies investing in India.
He said the state government would provide land through the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) land bank, along with plug-and-play infrastructure, a dedicated Korea Desk, single-window clearances, policy incentives and world-class power, water and logistics connectivity.
Lokesh further invited South Korea to become a strategic partner in developing the infrastructure required for Andhra Pradesh’s proposed 10 GW data centre ecosystem, including energy planning, regulatory frameworks and supporting infrastructure.
The meetings are part of Andhra Pradesh’s broader investment outreach in South Korea aimed at attracting advanced manufacturing, technology-intensive industries and strategic partnerships to accelerate industrialisation and position the state as a global manufacturing and innovation hub.