17 hours ago
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VIJAYAWADA
IT and Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh has said that the Speed of Doing Business (SoDB) has been the cornerstone of the Andhra Pradesh (A.P.) government’s investment mobilisation drive. The primary reason companies prefer A.P. over other States, he said, is the industry-friendly image assiduously cultivated by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu over the years and his leadership, which has few parallels.
Highlighting the momentum generated by major investments from Google and ArcelorMittal, Mr. Lokesh said the A.P. government would host the CII Partnership Summit 2025 in Visakhapatnam on November 14 and 15. Addressing a press conference, he announced that 410 MoUs worth ₹9.80 lakh crore, with the potential to create 7.5 lakh jobs, were expected to be signed during the summit.
The Minister, accompanied by his Cabinet colleagues Kollu Ravindra (Mines), Gottipati Ravi Kumar (Energy), and Kondapalli Srinivas (MSMEs), along with Secretary (Industries & Commerce) N. Yuvaraj, said the summit was not merely intended to attract investments but was conceived as a three-way partnership between the government, corporates, and the people — with shared prosperity as its central goal.
Foundations would be laid for projects involving a total investment of ₹2.70 lakh crore during the event, which would feature 48 sessions — including one plenary, 27 technical, three standalone, and 11 State-specific sessions. Over 300 delegates from 45 countries, including G20 member nations, are expected to participate, and 72 international speakers will share insights on a wide range of topics.
Mr. Lokesh welcomed healthy competition among States for attracting investments, noting that many were offering equally attractive incentives. “I am happy to compete without making uncharitable remarks about others, as the larger goal is to make India stronger and more resilient in the emerging global scenario,” he said.
He added that while Andhra Pradesh is attracting investments in sectors such as renewable energy, semiconductors, electronics, steel, ports, agri-tech, drones, AI, and quantum technologies, the government is also giving due emphasis to skilling the youth to make them industry-ready. “The State cannot afford to lag behind in this area, which is why a slew of skill development initiatives have been launched,” he noted.
Responding to a question on whether the upcoming AM/NS steel plant near Anakapalli would adversely affect the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), Mr. Lokesh said competition brings out the best in businesses. He pointed out that the State government had ensured VSP was not privatised and had secured a revival package for it with the Centre’s cooperation. On the issue of non-regularisation of contract workers, he remarked that steel-making is a business, not charity.
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