Lokesh proposes AP-Korea investment desk

Metro India News | Seoul

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh, on the fifth day of his South Korea visit, met Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Vice Minister for Political Affairs at South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and pitched Andhra Pradesh as a reliable destination for Korean investments. Lokesh highlighted the state's 3S governance model—Speed, Stability and Service—assuring investors of policy certainty, speedy approvals and proactive government support. He invited Korean companies to make Andhra Pradesh their preferred manufacturing and investment hub, citing competitive land prices, attractive incentives and investor-friendly policies.

Referring to the evolving global geopolitical landscape, the Minister said Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a safe and stable manufacturing base on India's east coast, offering companies a dependable alternative for resilient supply chains. He invited investments in heavy industries, green energy, consumer goods, modern retail, tourism and advanced electronics.

To strengthen industrial cooperation, Lokesh proposed establishing joint training academies to equip Andhra Pradesh's youth with Korean industrial skills, language training and workplace culture. He said the state's Education and Skill Development Departments are ready to collaborate with Korean partners to build a globally competitive workforce. The Minister also proposed an Andhra Pradesh-Korea Investment Desk to facilitate investments and sought a Korean Cultural Centre in the state to promote cultural and people-to-people ties. Highlighting Andhra Pradesh's strategic advantages, Lokesh said its long coastline, major ports including Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam, and four upcoming greenfield ports make it an ideal gateway to the Indian market and an export hub for the Middle East, Africa and Europe.