Lokesh says AP targets $2.40 trillion economy based on cluster-specific strategy

IT & HRD Minister Nara Lokesh was speaking at a fireside chat organized by the India Public Affairs Forum in New Delhi on Thursday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

IT & HRD Minister Nara Lokesh said the state is developing 23 sector-specific clusters as part of its strategy to promote investment, innovation and job creation across the economy. “Andhra Pradesh (AP) is currently a $200 billion economy and aspires to become a $2.40 trillion economy by 2047, he noted.

Speaking at a fireside chat organized by the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI) in New Delhi on Thursday, Mr Lokesh said the clusters span sectors from traditional manufacturing such as cement and automobiles to material sciences, rare earth minerals, AI and data centres, pharmaceuticals and biomedicine.

He pointed out that Google is making huge investments in Andhra Pradesh followed by more investments in the data center sector. Quantum technology was part of the strategy with the quantum ecosystem being developed in Amaravati.

Mr Lokesh said the state plans to build a wider ecosystem around quantum technology, covering areas from cryogenics and materials science to quantum applications and use cases, including manufacturing.

The state has focused on creating jobs for blue-collar and white-collar workers, emphasizing that job opportunities are created across industries and skill levels.

Agricultural school

Asserting that while quantum technology is important, horticulture and aquaculture are equally key to the state’s growth strategy, the minister announced that the horticulture mission would be launched on October 2.

He also said that AP plans to develop an Indian Agricultural College on the lines of the Indian Business School in Hyderabad to build a strong ecosystem for agricultural research and development.

Mr Lokesh highlighted the state’s ‘P4’ model – Public, Private and People Partnership – aimed at ensuring that the benefits of development reach the less fortunate sections.

As an example of the support provided under the P-4 initiative, he cited the transformation of a woman in the Kuppam constituency from a worker in a brick factory to a factory owner who employed 20 people.

Published – 24 Sep 2026 20:59 IST