IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh has hinted at the possibility of Cognizant Technology Solutions launching operations in Andhra Pradesh. During his visit to Davos for the World Economic Forum (WEF), Lokesh met Cognizant’s CEO S Ravi Kumar and urged him to consider establishing operations in tier-2 cities such as Visakhapatnam.
Lokesh emphasised that 2.2 million square feet of co-working space is available in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Tirupati.
After the meeting, Lokesh said on X, “Had a terrific meeting with the delightful @imravikumars, CEO of technology giant @Cognizant. GOOD NEWS COMING SOON! STAY TUNED!! #InvestInAP #WEF2025.”
Ravi Kumar informed Lokesh that Cognizant plans to relocate 80,000 employees currently based in tier-1 cities to tier-2 locations, and that a positive decision on the proposals from the State government will be made soon.
HCLTech expansion likely to create 10,000 jobs
Lokesh also met with HCLTech CEO Kalyan Kumar, where he briefed him on Andhra Pradesh’s newly introduced Electronics Manufacturing Policy 4.0. He requested the tech firm to expand its operations in the State, which could create additional employment for 10,000 young people.
“I highlighted that our government’s new policy offers special incentives for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in technology, electronics, and manufacturing sectors. Kalyan Kumar assured me that HCL is ready to expand in Andhra Pradesh and will take the necessary steps to make it happen” Lokesh posted on X.
Additionally, the IT Minister met Tariq Sultan, Vice-Chairman of Agility, to invite the global logistics giant to invest in AP’s logistics and infrastructure sectors. Lokesh emphasised the State’s advantages for cargo transportation, noting that AP has the third-longest coastline in India, contributing 16.5% of the nation’s exports and 6% of its export revenue, amounting to Rs 1.59 lakh crore.
In another post on X, Lokesh wrote, “Specifically, I proposed the establishment of multi-modal logistics parks, warehouses, and cold storage facilities around the ports. Tariq Sultan responded positively to our proposals.”
Lokesh also met with Dolf van den Brink, CEO of Heineken, to discuss potential investments in beer manufacturing and the FMCG sector in Andhra Pradesh. He appealed for Heineken to consider expanding its beer market presence through United Breweries, a subsidiary of Heineken.
Brink mentioned that Heineken holds a 50% share in the Indian craft beer market, in partnership with BrewDog, a British multinational brewery and pub chain. He indicated that further discussions would be held to make decisions on the proposals presented by the State government
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