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He also proposed an EV components and battery systems manufacturing centre, a CKD assembly and export hub near Visakhapatnam Port, and an EV powertrain testing and homologation centre. Kia said it would examine the proposals through its global leadership.
Lokesh also met Sunic Systems, a South Korean manufacturer of semiconductor, OLED, and perovskite deposition equipment, inviting the company to establish a display equipment manufacturing facility at Sri City. He assured support through the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, Andhra Pradesh's semiconductor Policy and skill development partnerships with the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) and universities. Sunic Systems said it would evaluate the investment proposal.
In meetings with South Korea's Deputy Ministers for Foreign Affairs and International Trade & Investment, Lokesh pitched Andhra Pradesh as a stable and reliable manufacturing base amid global geopolitical uncertainties. He highlighted the state's ‘3 S’ policy—Speed, Stability and Service—investor-friendly incentives, low-cost industrial land and strategic location on India's east coast with six ports, seven airports and four upcoming greenfield ports.
Seeking to institutionalise bilateral economic ties, Lokesh proposed a Korea Industrial Park in Andhra Pradesh, a dedicated AP-Korea Investment Desk, annual economic partnership dialogues, direct air connectivity, Korean language centres, and joint skill academies to prepare local youth for Korean manufacturing standards. He also invited Korean universities and research institutions to collaborate on AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, cybersecurity, clean technology, and shipbuilding.
The Minister further invited Korean companies to participate in Andhra Pradesh's 10-GW data centre programme, renewable energy expansion, green hydrogen, battery manufacturing, and shipbuilding ecosystem. Highlighting the state's investment momentum, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh has attracted over USD 240 billion in investment commitments over the past two years and aims to become a major logistics, advanced manufacturing, and technology hub under its Swarnandhra-2047 vision.