Lokesh’s Australia Visit Boosts Andhra’s Global Vision
Andhra Pradesh’s IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh is currently on a strategic visit to Australia, aimed at strengthening educational and investment ties. His tour, scheduled from October 19 to 24, includes meetings with university leaders, business executives, and government officials.Lokesh’s itinerary features a visit to the University of New South Wales and a high-level interaction with New South Wales MPs and the Business Council of Australia. These engagements are part of the Special Visits Programme initiated by the Australian government.
The minister also participated in a Telugu diaspora gathering at the Sydney Cricket Grounds, where he emphasized Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to global partnerships and cultural outreach.
A key highlight of Lokesh’s visit is the promotion of the upcoming CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam, scheduled for November 14–15. He invited Australian investors to explore opportunities in Andhra Pradesh’s fast-growing tech and industrial sectors.
Lokesh’s proactive diplomacy follows Andhra Pradesh’s recent success in attracting a $15 billion investment from Google for a data and AI hub in Vizag. This move has positioned the state as a rising star in India’s digital economy.
In a bold statement, Lokesh declared that Visakhapatnam will be developed into a trillion-dollar economy. He cited the state’s reform-driven governance and ease of doing business as key factors behind the ₹10 lakh crore investments secured in the past 16 months.
The minister’s remarks sparked a political ripple effect, especially in Karnataka, where leaders expressed concern over losing major investments to Andhra Pradesh. Lokesh responded with a witty remark, “Andhra food is spicy. Seems some of our investments are too.”Lokesh’s international outreach is part of a broader strategy to position Andhra Pradesh as a global innovation hub. His focus on education, infrastructure, and investor confidence reflects the state’s ambition to lead in digital transformation.
The visit also underscores the importance of diaspora engagement. Lokesh’s interaction with Telugu communities abroad reinforces cultural ties and opens doors for collaborative ventures in education and entrepreneurship.
As Andhra Pradesh gears up for the CII Summit, Lokesh’s efforts are expected to yield long-term benefits in foreign direct investment, academic exchange, and global branding of the state’s capabilities.
