Andhra Pradesh Aims $2.4 Trillion Economy, Calls on CAs to Lead

Andhra Pradesh is moving toward a knowledge-based economy. The state aims to reach a $2.4 trillion GDP by 2047, said State Education, IT, and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh. He urged chartered accountants (CAs) to take a leading role in driving the state’s economic growth.

Minister Lokesh spoke as the chief guest at the Arthasamriddhi – 2025 conference, organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) in Visakhapatnam. “Every industrial revolution brings challenges and opportunities. India gained greatly from the IT revolution. Now we are ready to use the AI revolution. Our government applies AI in digital libraries, analytics, and assembly discussions. We also improve public services through AI-based governance,” he said.

Explaining the state’s development strategy, Lokesh said, “Our plan is one capital with decentralized growth.” Key initiatives include automotive in Anantapur, renewable energy in Kurnool, electronics in Chittoor, CBG in Prakasam, Quantum Valley in Guntur-Krishna, aquaculture in Godavari, and IT, pharma, and logistics in Uttarandhra. He asked CAs to help implement ethical policies and act as ambassadors for the state.

He highlighted the Manamitra initiative, which delivers 700 civic services via WhatsApp, and a partnership with the Tony Blair Institute to expand AI in administration. He invited CAs to join a government working group to improve citizen services.

Investor-friendly policies attract global companies such as Google, TCS, and Cognizant to Visakhapatnam. The Bhogapuram Airport, set to open within a year, will boost development in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts.

Minister Lokesh said CAs are more than auditors—they are builders of development. He urged them to focus on AI audits, blockchain, ESG reporting, global investments, startups, and mentoring MSMEs.

He credited reforms by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for Google’s decision to establish a data center in Visakhapatnam. He thanked voters for their support in 2019 and pledged to transform the city over the next four years.