On day 5 of his Korea visit, AP Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Mr Nara Lokesh met Ms. Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Vice Minister for Political Affairs at South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Seoul, and pitched Andhra Pradesh as India’s most reliable destination for Korean investments.
During the meeting, Minister Lokesh highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s 3S governance model, (Speed, Stability and Service) assuring Korean investors of policy certainty, quick approvals and proactive government support.
As per a release from the minister’s office, he invited Korean companies to make Andhra Pradesh their preferred manufacturing and investment hub in India, highlighting the state’s attractive land prices, incentives and investor-friendly policies.
The Minister said that in the changing global geopolitical environment, Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a safe, stable and trusted manufacturing base on India’s eastern coast and offers global companies a reliable alternative for building resilient supply chains.
He invited Korean businesses to explore opportunities not only in heavy industries but also in green energy, consumer goods, modern retail, tourism and advanced electronics.
Skill Training
To support future investments, Minister Lokesh proposed setting up joint training academies with South Korea to train Andhra Pradesh’s youth in Korean industrial standards, language and workplace culture.
He said the state’s Education and Skill Development Departments are ready to work closely with Korean partners to create a globally competitive workforce.
Investment Desk
The Minister also proposed the establishment of an Andhra Pradesh–Korea Investment Desk to facilitate investments and institutional collaboration and requested the South Korean Government to set up a Korean Cultural Centre in Andhra Pradesh to strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties.
Ports&Shipping
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s strategic advantages, Minister Lokesh said the state, with India’s second-longest coastline, major deep-water ports such as Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam, and four upcoming greenfield ports, offers Korean companies a cost-effective gateway to the Indian market and an export hub for the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
He further proposed annual Andhra Pradesh–South Korea Economic Partnership Dialogues, Korean Language Centres in universities across the state, stronger partnerships between Visakhapatnam and Busan/Incheon, and direct air connectivity to deepen trade, investment and long-term cooperation between Andhra Pradesh and South Korea.
