Vice-President Praises India as a Prime Investment Destination and Highlights Andhra Pradesh's Business-Friendly Ecosystem

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  Published in Business and Finance on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 12:57 GMT by The New Indian Express
      Locale: INDIA

Vice‑President Praises India as a Prime Investment Destination and Highlights Andhra Pradesh’s Business‑Friendly Ecosystem

On 15 November 2025 the Vice‑President of India delivered a high‑profile address at an Investor Summit held in Hyderabad, underscoring the country’s emergence as the world’s premier hub for capital and talent. The speech, which was live‑streamed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, was widely covered by the New Indian Express and other national outlets. At the centre of the Vice‑President’s message was a robust endorsement of Andhra Pradesh’s pro‑business environment, with the state’s leaders lauding the strategic initiatives that have positioned the region as a magnet for both domestic and foreign investment.

India’s Investment Narrative

The Vice‑President opened by reminding listeners that India has become a “truly global platform” where a mix of an enormous domestic market, a young and highly skilled workforce, and a rapidly modernising infrastructure base converge to create a low‑cost, high‑value manufacturing and services landscape. He highlighted the country’s macro‑economic resilience, noting that India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth is projected to average 6.2 % in 2025‑26, driven by a rebound in manufacturing output and a resurgence in retail spending.

In line with the government’s 2025 “Make India 2025” vision, the Vice‑President called attention to the latest foreign direct investment (FDI) figures released by the Ministry of Commerce. The data shows that India received a record ₹12.4 trillion (≈US 164 billion) in FDI inflows in FY 2024, a 14 % increase over the previous year. He emphasized that the majority of this inflow—about 45 %—has been directed toward manufacturing, information technology, and renewable energy, sectors that are central to India’s long‑term growth strategy.

Andhra Pradesh’s Pro‑Business Ecosystem

The Vice‑President’s remarks were followed by a session of the Andhra Pradesh Economic Survey 2024‑25, which outlined the state’s key achievements. He pointed to Andhra Pradesh’s ranking of 15th in the Ease of Doing Business index, a jump from 28th the previous year. The state’s “One‑Window” clearance system, launched in 2023, now processes licensing and approvals in an average of 12 days, a 60 % reduction in turnaround time.

One of the highlights mentioned by the Vice‑President was the state’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) programme, which has attracted ₹2.1 trillion (≈US 27 billion) in investment to date. In particular, the Kakinada SEZ has become a hub for automotive components and marine technology, while the Visakhapatnam SEZ is home to advanced semiconductor manufacturing facilities.

The Vice‑President also praised Andhra Pradesh’s tax incentives. He noted that the state offers a 25 % corporate tax rate for companies that establish production facilities in designated industrial corridors, and a 10 % tax holiday for high‑value electronics and pharmaceutical manufacturing in the first five years of operation. These measures, according to him, have already secured commitments from global giants such as Samsung, Sony, and Pfizer to set up plants in the region.

Strategic Initiatives Driving Growth

The Vice‑President underlined several strategic initiatives that Andhra Pradesh has rolled out to accelerate investment:

The Vice‑President remarked that these initiatives are “designed to keep Andhra Pradesh ahead of the curve in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

Regional Collaboration and Investment Promotion

At the summit, the Vice‑President called on global investors to look beyond the traditional “Made in India” narrative and explore the diverse sub‑sectors within the country. He specifically urged investors to consider Andhra Pradesh’s integrated logistics network, which includes the Port of Kakinada and the recently inaugurated Visakhapatnam Inland Waterway.

The state’s Investment Promotion & Facilitation Bureau (APIPF) has also launched an online portal that streamlines the entire investment process from site selection to approval. A link to the portal (https://www.apipf.gov.in) was shared during the event, allowing investors to submit proposals, track status, and access detailed information on incentives.

Key Takeaways

1. India’s macro‑economic outlook remains robust with a projected 6.2 % GDP growth for FY 2025‑26, driven by manufacturing and services sectors.
2. FDI inflows hit a record ₹12.4 trillion in FY 2024, with 45 % going to key growth sectors.
3. Andhra Pradesh’s business environment has improved dramatically, moving from 28th to 15th in the Ease of Doing Business index.
4. Strategic SEZs, tax incentives, and industrial corridors have already attracted over ₹2.1 trillion in investment.
5. Digital and renewable infrastructure investments position the state as a future‑proof hub for high‑value manufacturing.

The Vice‑President’s speech, which is available in full transcript form on the Ministry of Commerce website (https://commerce.gov.in/vice-president-speech-2025), underscores a clear message: India is not just an emerging economy; it is a destination that offers the right blend of policy, market, and talent. Andhra Pradesh, with its forward‑thinking initiatives and business‑friendly policies, is at the forefront of this transformation, and it is set to play a pivotal role in attracting the next wave of global investment.