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Andhra Minister Lokesh proposes Korea Investment Desk, urges Kia EV expansion

Published on: 10 Jul 2026, 08:05 AM

Andhra Pradesh's Minister for Human Resource Development, Information Technology and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, on Thursday (July 9, 2026) concluded the fifth day of his South Korea tour with a series of meetings aimed at attracting investments in key sectors. The discussions focused on electric vehicles, semiconductors, electronics, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure, alongside measures to strengthen economic ties between Andhra Pradesh and South Korea.

Mr. Lokesh met South Korea's Vice Minister for Political Affairs, Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, and Vice Minister for International Trade and Investment, Kamchan Kang. He also held talks with senior executives of Kia Corporation and Sunic Systems.

During the meetings, Mr. Lokesh presented Andhra Pradesh as a preferred destination for Korean investments, highlighting the state's '3S' governance model—Speed, Stability, and Service—along with investor-friendly policies, industrial land, ports, and export connectivity.

He proposed the establishment of an Andhra Pradesh-Korea Investment Desk, annual economic partnership dialogues, Korean language and cultural centres, improved air connectivity, and joint skill development academies to enhance bilateral cooperation.

In discussions with Kia Corporation, Mr. Lokesh invited the company to expand beyond passenger vehicle manufacturing by setting up facilities for electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, EV components, powertrain testing, and a completely knocked down (CKD) assembly and export hub near Visakhapatnam Port. Kia stated that it would examine the proposals.

During his meeting with Vice Minister Kamchan Kang, Mr. Lokesh sought collaboration in higher education, research, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and shipbuilding. He also invited Korean participation in developing Andhra Pradesh's proposed 10 GW data centre ecosystem, a dedicated Korea Industrial Park, and renewable energy projects including solar, wind, green hydrogen, pumped storage, and battery manufacturing.

Mr. Lokesh also invited Sunic Systems to establish a display equipment manufacturing unit at Sri City under the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and to collaborate on semiconductor skill development. He said Andhra Pradesh was positioning itself as a global hub for advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital infrastructure under the 'Swarna Andhra @2047' vision.

Source: The Hindu

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