Lokesh Says Andhra Pradesh Now ‘Speed of Business’ Ambassador, Highlights Massive Investments and Diaspora Support
Andhra Pradesh is emerging as India’s ‘Speed of Doing Business’ ambassador, with Lokesh highlighting rapid growth, major investments, and strong support from NRIs.
Nara Lokesh addresses Telugu NRIs in Texas, highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s rapid growth, investment surge, and the state’s rise as India’s Speed of Doing Business ambassador.
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh informed that the state has become the top “Speed of Doing Business (SoDB) Ambassador” among the states of the country, thanks to the Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s brand values and the government’s uncorrupted, investor-friendly policies.
Speaking at a large gathering of Telugu NRIs at the Curtis Culwell Center in Texas, Lokesh praised the diaspora for their steadfast support during the party’s challenging phase, especially during Naidu’s arrest while in opposition. He said their solidarity had given the party crucial moral strength. Referring to NRIs as “MRIs – Most Reliable Indians,” Lokesh credited them for the NDA’s sweeping win of 164 out of 175 Assembly seats, calling it a historic turning point for Andhra Pradesh.
Lokesh highlighted AP’s rapid economic transformation under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, CM Naidu, and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, noting that the state is pushing a decentralized growth model. He outlined region-specific development plans:
• Anantapur – automotive hub
• Kurnool – renewable energy
• Chittoor & Kadapa – electronics manufacturing
• Nellore – solar & diversified industries
• Prakasam – green fuels & CBG
• Krishna–Guntur – quantum tech & capital region projects
• Godavari districts – aquaculture & exports
• North Andhra – IT, pharma, medical devices & steel sector support
He reiterated that job creation remains the NDA’s core mission, targeting 20 lakh jobs in five years. Lokesh said AP has already attracted ₹20 lakh crore in investments within 17 months, with the potential to generate 16 lakh jobs.
He also announced initiatives such as the Kalalaku Rekkalu support scheme for students studying abroad, strengthened protection for Telugu families via AP NRT, and innovation hubs like the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub aimed at nurturing young entrepreneurs. Lokesh also criticized the previous government for its conduct toward women in the Assembly, stressing that accountability would be ensured without political vendetta.
The event saw attendance from AP NRTS President Vemuru Ravikumar, NRI TDP USA Coordinator Komati Jayaram, Garland Mayor Dylan Hedrick, and hundreds of Telugu NRIs from across the US.
