From Our Correspondent
Kolkata: Andhra Pradesh Information Technology, Electronics and Human Resource Development Minister Nara Lokesh made a strong investment pitch before leading industrialists at a plenary session organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata, outlining the state government’s vision to transform Andhra Pradesh into a $2.4 trillion economy over the coming decades. The session on “Investment Opportunities in Andhra Pradesh” was held at ITC Sonar, Kolkata on June 19.
Addressing business leaders, corporate executives and industry associations, Lokesh highlighted the state’s ambition to emerge as one of India’s leading investment destinations under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. He said Andhra Pradesh’s development strategy is built around three pillars — Speed, Stability and Service — aimed at providing a predictable and investor-friendly ecosystem.
Lokesh emphasised that Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself not merely as a regulator but as a facilitator of business growth. He said the government is committed to ensuring faster approvals, rapid project grounding and direct engagement with investors. According to the minister, the state’s focus is on reducing bureaucratic delays and creating a governance framework that responds quickly to industry requirements.
Highlighting the government’s emphasis on execution, Lokesh cited recent examples of major industrial projects that moved from proposal stage to implementation within weeks. He noted that Andhra Pradesh’s administrative machinery is working towards delivering industry clearances and infrastructure support at a pace that compares favourably with leading investment destinations.
The minister also underscored the state’s young political leadership, stating that a significant number of legislators and cabinet members are first-time representatives with a strong focus on economic growth, technology adoption and job creation.
Industry leaders attending the event responded positively to the presentation, with several expressing interest in exploring opportunities in Andhra Pradesh’s emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence, electronics manufacturing, data centres, advanced manufacturing and automobiles. Business representatives reportedly appreciated the government’s emphasis on accessibility and time-bound decision-making.
A topic that drew considerable interest during the interaction was Andhra Pradesh’s land pooling model, which has been used in the development of the Amaravati capital region and industrial corridors. Participants sought details on how the model aligns the interests of landowners, industry and government while facilitating large-scale development projects.
Speaking on India’s broader economic trajectory, Lokesh advocated competitive federalism, arguing that greater competition among states would strengthen India’s overall growth prospects. He said states that offer efficient governance, robust infrastructure and investor confidence will play a crucial role in helping India achieve its long-term economic ambitions.
The interaction is expected to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s engagement with business groups in eastern India and could pave the way for exploratory visits by industrial delegations to the state in the coming months. Industry sources indicated that several companies are evaluating opportunities in Andhra Pradesh’s expanding industrial and technology ecosystem following the discussions in Kolkata.