AP turning into investment hub: Lokesh

Minister for Education, Information Technology (IT), and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, is making strides towards his election promise of creating 20 lakh jobs for the youth. The Minister met with Foxconn representatives at his residence in Undavalli on Monday.
During the meeting, Lokesh provided a detailed overview of the resources available in the State for establishing their units and outlined the measures taken from 2014 to 2019 to attract investments, including the establishment of IT companies. He shared insights into the successful invitation of Kia Motors to the State, referring to it as a case study.
Lokesh assured the Foxconn delegation that a new policy would be formulated to offer subsidies aimed at job creation. He announced that a novel electronics policy would soon be introduced. Highlighting the efforts made by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Lokesh noted that several companies, including Foxconn, had set up operations in the State between 2014 and 2019, resulting in 14,000 jobs for women.
“You are planning to expand your activities across India, and I urge you to establish not just another unit, but a mega manufacturing city in the State. We will provide all necessary support for this endeavour,” Lokesh told the delegation, reiterating the State Government’s target of creating 20 lakh jobs for the youth. He expressed confidence that Foxconn would play a significant role in achieving this goal.
“I will personally oversee any assistance required for establishing a mega manufacturing city and we will devise a special plan for this,” Lokesh added.
Vi Li, the Indian representative of Foxconn, commended Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s efforts to attract investment to the State. Although he acknowledged past challenges faced by the company in Andhra Pradesh, Li highlighted the company’s strong relationship with the State.
Li stated that Foxconn is prepared to establish units for electric vehicle manufacturing, semiconductors, digital health, and component manufacturing in Andhra Pradesh. He assured Lokesh that the company would support the goal of creating 20 lakh jobs and agreed to invest significantly in the State. Lokesh encouraged Foxconn to begin their plans as soon as possible.
The meeting was attended by Vi Li, Senthil Kumar (Director of Foxconn Chairman’s Office), Bharat Dandi (Deputy Director), Vector Chen (Manager), Sourabh Gour (IT and Electronics Principal Secretary), and other officials.