Minister Nara Lokesh has invited Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with multinational corporations to be brand ambassadors for Andhra Pradesh’s development. During his present tour of Australia, Lokesh spoke with the Telugu diaspora in Sydney and emphasized the essential role NRIs can play in building the state, to advocate that we can all come together to build and develop Andhra Pradesh on all fronts.
Noting that the coalition government is fully committed to developing the state, Lokesh encouraged the diaspora to take advantage of every opportunity that arises, as a leader of Andhra Pradesh. Lokesh also assured them that with their partnership, the state would be a leader in all areas of development, including technology, infrastructure, etc.
Lokesh also praised how hardworking and dedicated Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is, even at the age of 75. He pointed out that regardless of his age, Naidu is most passionate and energetic, and has tremendous commitment to the future of the state. Lokesh reminisced about previous times, when the Telugu community gathered around Naidu, especially when he was arrested for very outrageous reasons by the YSRCP government. He indicated how valuable it is to show strength and unity within the community.
The Minister then spoke of the success of the ruling government, calling it a “double-engine bullet train” that was propelling a lot of investment into Andhra Pradesh. He particularly mentioned the setting up of the Google data center in Visakhapatnam, which materialized due to robust central government support. Lokesh also spoke of how world steel leader ArcelorMittal committed to investing in the state upon one Zoom call, a testament to the efficacy of a pro-business government.
Lokesh reiterated the government’s initiatives, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan. He pledged to have the Polavaram project, which is key to fulfilling the state’s water needs, completed on time. The government is also aspiring to create 20 lakh jobs over the next 5 years – a promising proposition for both the state economy and establishing a wealth of prosperity, jobs, and opportunities for Andhra Pradesh.
Lokesh invited Telugu professionals in Australia to be ambassadors for the State of Andhra Pradesh, and explore value-added investment opportunities to expand their business and advantages for Andhra Pradesh. He concluded by indicating that with favorable policies and partnerships, Andhra Pradesh is poised to take the helm of leading innovation, next-generation infrastructure, and jobs.
With nearby states engaged in fierce competition for investments, Lokesh noted that Andhra Pradesh is taking the high-road, healthy/sportsmanlike approach. He expressed that healthy competition, among other states, will serve to improve India’s growth overall.
The diaspora convention was also an opportunity for the people to bring up their experiences and valuable inputs for the further growth and development of the state. As long as they are with NRIs’ collective support, Lokesh believes that Andhra Pradesh will scale new horizons of success.