From Our Correspondent
Toronto: Andhra Pradesh is pitching aggressively for global capital, with Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh urging Canada’s top industry bodies and investors to tap opportunities emerging from the state’s rapid “speed-of-doing” reforms.
In a series of meetings in Toronto, Lokesh told Business Council of Canada (BCC) President Goldy Hyder that now is the right time to invest in Andhra Pradesh, citing strong policy stability and an industrial-friendly government. He sought Hyder’s support in encouraging Canadian investors to explore sectors ranging from IT to electronics manufacturing.
Lokesh also met Fairfax Financial Holdings CEO Prem Watsa, requesting support for the swift completion of the greenfield airport at Kuppam and fresh investments in tourism and hospitality. He proposed that Sterling Resorts, a Fairfax subsidiary, consider developing a Nallamala project on the lines of Panama City in Florida.
In discussions with Tim Downing of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), Lokesh highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s creation of “master funds” to draw institutional capital. He invited CPPIB to join as an anchor investor or partner in state-backed long-term infrastructure projects.
During a meeting with John Radko, Senior Vice President at OpenText, Lokesh pitched Andhra Pradesh as a hub for future technologies, including AI and quantum computing. He urged collaboration on skilling programmes and internships to equip AP’s youth with global-standard capabilities.
Lokesh also engaged with representatives from the Consulate General of India in Toronto and the Canada–India Business Council (CIBC), seeking Australian and Canadian participation in AI, clean tech, renewable energy, and core infrastructure.
In a separate meeting, CIBC President Victor Thomas was urged to promote Canadian investment in airports, ports, logistics and road development across Andhra Pradesh.
The minister’s Canada outreach is part of a wider global investment mobilisation effort as the state seeks to accelerate industrial growth under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.