MSMEs Key to Andhra Pradesh’s 20 Lakh Jobs Mission: Nara Lokesh

Andhra Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a major industrial and manufacturing destination, with the State government placing strong emphasis on the growth of MSMEs to drive economic expansion and large-scale employment generation. State IT, Electronics and Education Minister Nara Lokesh said the government is committed to transforming the state into a global production hub under the vision of “Made in Andhra, Made for India, Made for the World.”

Speaking at the SME IPO Awareness Summit organised in Vijayawada by the National Stock Exchange of India, AP MSME Development Corporation and the Confederation of Indian Industry, Lokesh said his experiences during the ‘Yuvagalam’ padayatra strengthened his focus on creating sustainable job opportunities through industrial growth.

Recalling the story of Padmavathi, who now works in an ancillary unit linked to the Kia plant in Penugonda, the minister said industrial investments are helping ordinary families achieve financial stability and better livelihoods.

Highlighting the state’s growing investment appeal, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh has attracted nearly ₹23 lakh crore worth of investments through around 800 projects in the last 23 months. These projects are expected to generate nearly 24 lakh jobs . He credited Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for promoting the state globally and bringing in companies such as Google, ArcelorMittal, Tata Consultancy Services and Cognizant.

The minister explained that large industries create a strong multiplier effect , benefiting thousands of small and medium businesses. Referring to the proposed Google data centre in Visakhapatnam, he said the project encouraged Carrier to explore investments in Sri City to manufacture advanced cooling systems.

Lokesh also outlined the government’s long-term economic roadmap aimed at transforming Andhra Pradesh into a $2.4 trillion economy by 2047. Under the cluster-based development model, Rayalaseema will focus on automobiles, Amaravati on quantum technology, North Andhra on IT and pharmaceuticals, and Coastal Andhra on aqua industries.

He further announced plans to establish MSME parks in every Assembly constituency and simplify approvals under the “Speed of Doing Business” policy to encourage faster industrial growth.

Encouraging small businesses to tap into capital markets , Lokesh expressed concern that only three Andhra Pradesh-based companies are currently listed on the NSE. He directed officials to work towards ensuring at least 100 MSMEs from the state get listed within the next three months.