The Andhra Pradesh government is actively pursuing partnerships with international players to drive port-led development in the state, aiming to create large-scale employment opportunities and contribute significantly to its goal of becoming a $2 trillion economy by 2047. In a recent presentation at the 29th Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) conference in Seoul, Suresh Kumar, Andhra Pradesh’s Infrastructure and Investment Secretary, outlined the state’s ambitious vision for the future.
During his five-day tour of the Republic of Korea, Kumar engaged with top officials from the Korean shipbuilding industry, exploring opportunities for setting up shipbuilding and ship-repair facilities in Andhra Pradesh. The state’s vision includes transforming Andhra Pradesh into a leading maritime hub by 2030, with a particular focus on sustainable development, world-class infrastructure, and attracting both global and domestic investments.
Currently, Visakhapatnam is the state’s only major port, but with the upcoming operationalization of four new non-major ports in Ramayapatnam, Machilipatnam, Kakinada, and Mulapeta—at an investment of ₹16,000 crore—the state’s cargo handling capacity is set to increase by 110 million tonnes by 2025-26. This expansion is expected to drive significant growth in trade, industry, and employment.
The state’s proximity to key global maritime routes and its 5,000-acre land bank near upcoming greenfield ports make it an ideal location for industrial development. Andhra Pradesh is also focusing on the development of ports, shipyards, fishing harbours, and allied maritime industries, positioning the state as an emerging industrial powerhouse.
The government’s forward-thinking policies, efficient governance, and openness to public-private partnerships in the maritime sector underscore Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to becoming a premier industrial hub and a leader in port-led development.
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