Andhra Pradesh Government to Introduce Investor Protection Law, Says Minister Nara Lokesh

Visakhapatnam, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : The Andhra Pradesh government is set to introduce a law aimed at ensuring the security of investments made within the state. Minister Nara Lokesh made this announcement during the inaugural session of the 31st CII Partnership Summit 2026 held in Visakhapatnam on November 12.

Speaking at the event, which focused on human resource development, information technology, electronics, and real-time governance, Lokesh revealed that the government is actively working on the Investor Protection Act. With this initiative, Andhra Pradesh will become the first state in India to implement such a law, following its pioneering efforts in establishing escrow accounts for investors.

Lokesh emphasized that this legislation would provide greater confidence and assurance to entrepreneurs, encouraging them to invest in the state. He also urged Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to support the approval and implementation of this policy at the national level.

By advancing its unique initiative of facilitating escrow accounts, Andhra Pradesh aims to establish a dedicated legal framework for investment security. Lokesh called upon global entrepreneurs not just to visit Andhra Pradesh but to invest, innovate, and contribute to its growth. He encouraged them to establish factories in the state and consider making it their corporate headquarters, assuring them of the government’s full support.

He highlighted the state’s extensive coastline of over 1,000 kilometers, with Visakhapatnam serving as the primary port. Alongside other ports, Andhra Pradesh handles approximately 100 million tons of cargo annually. The construction of four new greenfield ports—Ramayapatnam, Mulapeta, Machilipatnam, and Kakinada—is underway, which will double the state’s cargo-handling capacity.

Lokesh pointed out that nearly one-third of India’s seafood exports originate from Andhra Pradesh’s coastline, with 80% of the country’s shrimp exports coming from the state. He noted that around 60% of India’s air conditioners are manufactured in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh.

The state is also a significant contributor to India’s agricultural output, producing over 40% of the nation’s cocoa and more than 40% of the dry chili in the Guntur region. Known as India’s “Fruit Bowl,” Andhra Pradesh is the largest fruit-producing state, contributing about 16% to the national production. The state ranks first in fish and egg production as well, and over half of India’s FCV tobacco is sourced from Andhra Pradesh.

Since Kia began production in Anantapur in 2019, the plant has produced approximately 1.9 million cars, exported to over 90 countries. As of June 2024, Andhra Pradesh has received investment commitments totaling ₹22.6 lakh crore. Notably, 73% of these commitments have already transitioned into approved projects, valued at ₹17.2 lakh crore, which are expected to create 12.7 lakh jobs.

Currently, 51% of these projects are in the implementation stage, with construction already underway on initiatives worth ₹5.9 lakh crore, projected to generate 7.4 lakh jobs.