*Undeterred by Conflict, Lokesh Takes Andhra Pradesh's Investment Pitch to the World* _*Russia visit reflects an unwavering focus on attracting investments, generating employment and positioning Andhra Pradesh as a global manufacturing and technology hub, says Palla Srinivasa Rao*_

                    K.V.SHARMA EDITOR 

Visakhapatnam: Indian News Times:June 6:*Even as geopolitical tensions and security concerns continue to cast a shadow over the region, Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology and Electronics Nara Lokesh has remained firmly focused on a singular objective — securing investments for the State and creating employment opportunities for its youth, Telugu Desam Party State President and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao said on Friday.

In a statement, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said Mr. Lokesh's ongoing visit to Russia exemplifies Andhra Pradesh's growing ambition to emerge as a globally competitive destination for industry, technology and advanced manufacturing. Through a series of high-level engagements with leading corporations and industry stakeholders, he said, the Minister has been projecting the State's strengths before the international business community while actively pursuing strategic investments capable of accelerating economic growth.

Drawing parallels with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's pioneering efforts in transforming Hyderabad into a technology hub, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said Mr. Lokesh was carrying forward the same vision on a global scale. Every meeting and investment discussion undertaken during the visit, he noted, has been guided by the larger objective of creating sustainable employment opportunities, expanding industrial capacity and preparing Andhra Pradesh for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.

*Commitment Beyond Circumstance*

Mr. Srinivasa Rao observed that the decision to continue the Russia visit despite the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, drone attack alerts and heightened security concerns reflects Mr. Lokesh's determination to place the State's interests above all else.

Participating in the prestigious St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), one of the world's foremost platforms for economic and business engagement, Mr. Lokesh has been presenting Andhra Pradesh's growth story before global investors and industry leaders. His willingness to pursue investment opportunities despite difficult circumstances, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said, demonstrates a leadership approach defined by commitment, resilience and clarity of purpose.

*Positioning Andhra Pradesh for the Technologies of Tomorrow*

Among the most significant engagements during the visit were discussions with representatives of Russia's Element Group, a leading player in the semiconductor sector.

According to Mr. Srinivasa Rao, Mr. Lokesh invited the company to explore opportunities for establishing an electronic components assembly unit in Visakhapatnam, a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Nellore and the expansion of robotics and automation services in Sri City. These initiatives, he said, are aimed at positioning Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing.

*Strengthening the Manufacturing Ecosystem*

Mr. Srinivasa Rao also highlighted discussions with officials of Transmashholding regarding the establishment of railway component assembly units, locomotive manufacturing facilities and railway coach production centres in Sri City.

Such projects, if realised, would significantly strengthen the State's industrial ecosystem while generating thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, he said.

Similarly, discussions with the leadership of Novostal-M focused on prospects for advanced steel manufacturing facilities, railway track rolling mills and integrated logistics hubs. These proposals, Mr. Srinivasa Rao noted, have the potential to open a new chapter in Andhra Pradesh's industrial development and reinforce its position as a preferred destination for large-scale manufacturing investments.

*A Vision Anchored in the Future*

Mr. Srinivasa Rao said Mr. Lokesh's emphasis on smart city management systems, small modular reactors, desalination technologies and next-generation logistics infrastructure reflects a long-term vision that extends beyond immediate investment gains.

He observed that the Minister's ability to identify emerging global trends and align them with Andhra Pradesh's developmental priorities has become a defining feature of his investment outreach efforts.

Particularly significant, he said, was Mr. Lokesh's emphasis on the economic opportunities that could emerge from the Arctic maritime corridor, which is expected to reduce transit distances between Asia and Europe, lower transportation costs and create fresh opportunities in trade, exports and fertiliser imports. Such discussions, he added, underscore a deeper understanding of the global economic shifts that will shape future growth.

*Carrying Forward Andhra Pradesh's Investment-Led Growth Story*

Mr. Srinivasa Rao said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh has once again begun attracting the attention of global investors. He credited Mr. Lokesh's proactive engagement with international industry leaders for further strengthening investor confidence in the State.

The coalition government's emphasis on investment, employment and industrial growth has contributed to Andhra Pradesh's emergence as an increasingly attractive destination for global capital, he said.

"Employment for youth, investments for the State and development for the people remain the guiding principles of Nara Lokesh's efforts. His Russia visit is a reflection of that commitment and of Andhra Pradesh's determination to secure its place in the global economy," Mr. Srinivasa Rao said.