Lokesh proposes Andhra-Korea Investment Desk, invites Kia to expand near Visakhapatnam
Andhra Pradesh’s Minister for HRD, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh on Thursday (July 9, 2026) concluded the fifth day of his South Korea tour with
Andhra Pradesh’s Minister for HRD, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh on Thursday (July 9, 2026) concluded the fifth day of his South Korea tour with meetings aimed at attracting investments in electric vehicles, semiconductors, electronics, renewable energy and digital infrastructure, while proposing measures to strengthen economic ties between Andhra Pradesh and South Korea. Lokesh met South Korea’s Vice Minister for Political Affairs Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Vice Minister for International Trade and Investment Kamchan Kang, senior executives of Kia Corporation and Sunic Systems.
He projected Andhra Pradesh as a preferred destination for Korean investments, highlighting the State’s 3S governance model, Speed, Stability and Service, along with investor-friendly policies, industrial land, ports and export connectivity. He proposed setting up an Andhra Pradesh-Korea Investment Desk, annual economic partnership dialogues, Korean language and cultural centres, improved air connectivity and joint skill development academies to strengthen bilateral cooperation. During talks with Kia Corporation, Mr. Lokesh invited the company to expand beyond passenger vehicle manufacturing by establishing facilities for electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, EV components, powertrain testing and a CKD assembly and export hub near Visakhapatnam Port.
Kia said it would examine the proposals. In his meeting with Mr. Kamchan Kang, he sought collaboration in higher education, research, semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity and shipbuilding. He also invited Korean participation in developing Andhra Pradesh’s proposed 10 GW data centre ecosystem, a dedicated Korea Industrial Park and renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, green hydrogen, pumped storage and battery manufacturing. Lokesh also invited Sunic Systems to establish a display equipment manufacturing unit at Sri City under the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and collaborate on semiconductor skill development.
He said Andhra Pradesh was positioning itself as a global hub for advanced manufacturing, clean energy and digital infrastructure under the Swarna Andhra @2047 vision.
The BriefWire