Minister for Education, IT, and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, held high-level discussions with global business leaders at Davos, focusing on the state’s industrial and technological advancements.
Minister Lokesh met Cognizant CEO S Ravikumar and expressed optimism about the company’s plans to begin operations in Andhra Pradesh. Highlighting the state’s vision to become a hub for deep technologies like AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, and renewable energy, Lokesh pointed out the availability of 2.2 million square feet of coworking space in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Tirupati. He encouraged Cognizant to expand into Tier-2 cities like Visakhapatnam and partner with the state government to build a highly skilled workforce in emerging technologies. Ravikumar assured that Cognizant plans to relocate 80,000 employees to Tier-2 cities and would soon make a positive decision on Andhra Pradesh’s proposals.
Lokesh also met HCL CEO Kalyan Kumar to discuss the company’s expansion plans in Andhra Pradesh. He introduced the state’s Electronics Manufacturing Policy 4.0, aimed at creating 10,000 jobs and providing incentives for foreign direct investments in technology and electronics.
During his interaction with Dolf van den Brink, CEO of Heineken, Lokesh presented Andhra Pradesh’s Industrial Development Policy 4.0, which seeks to attract ?30 lakh crore in investments, including $10 billion in FDI.
The Minister also engaged with Tariq Sultan, Vice Chairman of Agility, a global logistics and supply chain leader. Lokesh highlighted that Andhra Pradesh, with its 1,054 km coastline, six operational ports, and 16.5% share of India’s exports, is a prime destination for cargo operations and investments in logistics.
In another significant meeting, Lokesh discussed healthcare collaboration with Boro Dropulic, Executive Director of Caring Cross. He proposed a partnership with Basavatarakam Cancer Institute to advance genetic research and expand access to cutting-edge healthcare facilities for cancer patients.
Lokesh also participated in a session on AI Energy Impact at the Davos Congress Hotel, where he emphasised India’s doubling of data centre capacity to 2,000 MW in the next two years. The session featured prominent global leaders, including Michael Sens, CEO of Energy Vision, and Lan Leslie Edwards, President of Atkins Real Estate.
Lokesh’s strategic engagements at Davos reaffirm Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to becoming a global leader in technology, innovation, and industrial growth.
Nara Lokesh holds talks with global biz leaders
