Magazine : 
Andhra Pradesh Invites Foxconn to Develop Mega 'Manufacturing City'
Andhra Pradesh's Education, Information Technology, and Electronics Minister, Nara Lokesh, has extended an invitation to global electronics giant Foxconn to establish a mega ‘manufacturing city’ in the state. During a meeting held at his residence in Undavalli, Lokesh assured the Foxconn delegation that the state government would provide all necessary facilities and support for the project, with a focus on creating large-scale employment opportunities.
Lokesh emphasized the state’s readiness to offer comprehensive support to Foxconn’s plans for expansion in India, urging the company to consider a larger initiative than a single unit. "Since you are planning to expand your activities across India, I want you to establish, not just a unit, but a mega manufacturing city in the state. We will extend all cooperation for this", he said. The minister highlighted that the state’s target is to generate 20 lakh jobs for the youth, expressing confidence that Foxconn could play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.
The minister also assured the delegation that he would personally oversee the assistance required for establishing the manufacturing city and that a special plan would be devised to facilitate the project. Lokesh briefed Foxconn representatives on the available resources and favorable conditions in Andhra Pradesh for setting up industrial units, drawing attention to the steps taken by the state government between 2014 and 2019, during the Telugu Desam Party’s (TDP) tenure, to attract significant investments.
Lokesh cited the successful invitation of Kia Motors to Andhra Pradesh during the TDP’s governance as a case study, demonstrating the state’s commitment to fostering industrial growth. He further informed the delegation that a new electronic policy focused on providing subsidies and promoting employment is in the pipeline, and that the government is committed to attracting major investments to the state.
Foxconn’s Indian representative, Vi Li, acknowledged the proactive measures taken by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in attracting investments during the 2014-2019 period. He noted that despite facing some challenges in the state over the last five years, Foxconn maintains a positive relationship with Andhra Pradesh. Vi Li highlighted that Foxconn is actively expanding its operations globally and is keen to enhance its presence in India. He confirmed that the company would soon make a decision after holding further discussions with state officials.
The Foxconn representative indicated that the company is considering setting up units in electric vehicle manufacturing, semiconductors, digital health, and component manufacturing in Andhra Pradesh. He also expressed the company’s willingness to support the state’s employment objectives, noting that Foxconn is prepared to invest significantly and provide large-scale job opportunities to the youth.
The meeting saw participation from key figures, including Vi Li, Director of Foxconn Chairman’s Office Senthil Kumar, Deputy Director Bharat Dandi, Manager Vector Chen, and Andhra Pradesh’s IT and Electronics Principal Secretary Sourabh Gour. Lokesh urged the company to begin preliminary work on the project at the earliest to accelerate the establishment of the proposed manufacturing city.
Foxconn’s in-principle agreement to invest in Andhra Pradesh and its commitment to generating employment marks a significant development in the state’s industrial landscape, with promising prospects for both economic growth and job creation.
