VIJAYAWADA: HRD, IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh described Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) as the State’s brand ambassadors and urged them to promote Andhra Pradesh as a top investment destination.
Speaking at the Telugu diaspora meet organised by APNRT at the OVIS Auditorium in Singapore, Lokesh emphasised the critical role of NRIs in rebuilding the State after five years of stagnation under the previous YSRCP regime. He said the coalition government, under Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership, is working to put Andhra Pradesh back on track.
He also emphasised alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, promising to recover the State’s losses from the past five years, with interest. Lokesh highlighted global trust in the ‘CBN Brand’ as a magnet for investments. Citing official data, he noted that in the financial year 2024–25, India received $81.04 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with Singapore accounting for approximately $14.94 billion, 19% of the total.
He expressed confidence that directing a substantial share of these funds toward Andhra Pradesh could help transform it into a global economic hub, similar to Singapore.
The minister invited NRIs from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Indonesia to invest in the State, assuring support through the Economic Development Board (EDB) for startups and industries.
He reaffirmed APNRT’s commitment to preserving Telugu language, culture, and traditions while addressing NRI concerns. Redefining NRIs as ‘Most Reliable Indians’, Lokesh credited their efforts for the coalition’s 94% strike rate in the recent elections, securing 164 seats.
Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s transformation under Lee Kuan Yew, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh’s 1,053-km coastline, network of ports, airports, highways, and robust infrastructure make it a prime investment destination.
He noted that companies such as TCS, Cognizant, ANSR, Sattva, Sify, and Google, as well as educational institutions like SRM, VIT, Amrita, and soon BITS Pilani, are expanding their presence in the State.
Lokesh reiterated the State government’s goal of creating 20 lakh jobs, calling it both a slogan and a policy. He urged NRIs to support the P4 initiative aimed at eradicating poverty and building a prosperous Andhra Pradesh.
Plans to promote MSMEs, which contribute to 80% of global employment, and launch new skill development programmes were also outlined.
Describing the event as unforgettable, Lokesh likened the vibrant Telugu diaspora in Singapore to a ‘Simhachalam away from home’ and announced the launch of APNRT 2.0 to address NRI-related issues more effectively.