Andhra Pradesh Shatters Business Barriers: Nara Lokesh Promises Radical Law Changes to Attract Global Giants Like Google!

Author

Simar Singh | Whalesbook News Team

Detailed Coverage:

Nara Lokesh, Minister for Human Resources Development and IT Electronics & Communication for the Government of Andhra Pradesh, stated at the 30th CII Partnership Summit 2025 that Andhra Pradesh is determined to make doing business in the state significantly easier. He pledged to review and rewrite any regulation or law deemed necessary to ensure entrepreneurs not only have a smooth entry but also flourish within the state's ecosystem, embodying the spirit of Ease of Doing Business (EoDB).

Lokesh cited the example of attracting Google's $15 billion investment for a gigawatt-scale AI data center in Visakhapatnam, which required 13 months of intensive work, including adjustments to regulations concerning data privacy, lawful intercept definitions, data embassies, and retrospective taxation. He emphasized this was done in the national interest, giving Andhra Pradesh a first-mover advantage.

Furthermore, the state is developing a quantum valley in Amaravati with a goal to attract $1 billion in investment by January 2029, focusing on building a manufacturing ecosystem around quantum technology, funded partly by the National Quantum Mission.

The government sees its role as a facilitator, matchmaking entrepreneurs with venture capitalists and private equity players. Lokesh also highlighted the state's vast data resources via the GovTech platform, which are being offered to entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions, such as using drones for flood relief. The ultimate aim is to elevate Andhra Pradesh's economy from $180 billion to $2.4 trillion by 2047.

Impact: This news is highly significant for the Indian stock market as it signals proactive governance and a strong focus on attracting substantial foreign direct investment and fostering advanced technology sectors. It can boost investor confidence in Andhra Pradesh, potentially leading to growth in IT, manufacturing, and related industries. Such initiatives can also set a positive precedent for other Indian states aiming to improve their investment climate. Rating: 8/10.

Difficult terms: Ease of Doing Business (EoDB): A ranking system that measures the extent to which a jurisdiction facilitates the starting and operation of businesses. CII Partnership Summit: An annual event organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry to foster dialogue and collaboration between industry and government. Gigawatt-scale: Refers to a very large capacity of power generation, measured in gigawatts (billions of watts). AI data centre: A specialized facility housing computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems, used for artificial intelligence (AI) operations. Quantum Valley: A proposed region or cluster dedicated to the research, development, and commercialization of quantum technologies. National Quantum Mission: A government initiative to advance quantum computing and related technologies in India. Venture Capitalists (VCs): Investors who provide capital to firms and entrepreneurs in exchange for equity or an ownership stake in the company. Private Equity (PE) Players: Investors who invest in or acquire private companies or take public companies private. GovTech platform: A digital platform that uses technology to improve government services and operations.