Strong states build a strong nation: Lokesh

Vijayawada: Asserting that strong states are the foundation for a strong India, IT and HRD minister Nara Lokesh has said that Andhra Pradesh is moving ahead with the principles of speed, stability and service to create an investor-friendly ecosystem.Addressing the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) plenary session in Kolkata on Friday, Lokesh invited industrialists, entrepreneurs and investors to become partners in the state’s development journey. Recalling Kolkata’s contribution to India’s intellectual, cultural and economic progress, Lokesh said, “A strong Bengal means a strong India.” He said healthy competition among states would accelerate national growth, while cooperation between states would help build a stronger economy.Lokesh said he met the West Bengal chief minister and was impressed by the focus on employment generation and development. He highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s land pooling model and said the govt was able to convince farmers by assuring them that industrial development and job creation would secure the future of their families. The minister said India is at a crucial stage, with both western and eastern nations looking towards the country.

He said the demographic advantage of India should be converted into an opportunity through reforms and investments.Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Lokesh said stable governance at the national level has helped implement major reforms, with states playing a key role in execution. He said Andhra Pradesh is at the forefront of implementing reforms and is attracting a significant share of investments coming into India.

Explaining AP’s investment advantage, Lokesh said the state’s approach is built on three ‘S’ principles —speed, stability and service.

He said the govt has moved beyond Ease of Doing Business to “Speed of Doing Business”, ensuring faster decisions and quicker implementation.He highlighted that they have attracted major investments, including Google’s project, within a short period and secured projects through proactive governance.

He said land acquisition for the AMCA project at Puttaparthi was completed within 37 days. He said that the state has already secured investment proposals worth Rs 24 lakh crore and is working towards grounding them. He said the state aims to become a $2.4 trillion economy by 2047.He added that the Visakhapatnam Economic Region would achieve in 10 years what took three decades in Hyderabad. He invited investors to participate in developing industrial clusters and ecosystems, including the upcoming gems and jewellery park at Mangalagiri and the Bhogapuram international airport project. “Once you join hands with us, it is not just your project, it becomes our project,” Lokesh assured, adding that the govt is committed to building a strong industrial ecosystem and contributing to a stronger India.