AP Minister Nara Lokesh lays foundation stone for the World Trade Center in Visakhapatnam

Nara Lokesh, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Real Time Governance and Human Resources Development, participated in groundbreaking ceremony and laid foundation stone for prestigious World Trade Center Visakhapatnam, marking the game changing development that will fuel rapid growth of not only the City of Destiny, but also that of entire Andhra Pradesh.

Along with the WTC Visakhapatnam, he laid foundation stone for four major IT companies and Raheja IT Space and Residential Project ahead of the prestigious Partnership Summit 2025, scheduled in Visakhapatnam on November 14–15, which is set to attract investments to the tune of staggering Rs 10 lakh crore, kicking off an investment revolution in Andhra Pradesh and transforming Visakhapatnam as a global technology hub rivaling Silicon Valley of the US.

ITE&C, HRD and RTG Minister Lokesh’s efforts have attracted Google’s $15 billion AI hub, the largest outside the U.S., strengthening Visakhapatnam’s global profile. Global IT giants such as TCS and Cognizant are already setting up development centres in the city, expected to generate 12,000 and 8,000 jobs respectively. The establishment of WTC Visakhapatnam is yet another major milestone for the City of Destiny, signaling its emergence as India’s next technology hub.

Spanning 7.5 million sq. ft., the WTC at Yendada (behind Panorama Hills, Madhurawada) in Visakhapatnam will offer business networking, consulting, trade services, and market access support. It aims to foster innovation, attract global investments, and create high-value jobs, bolstering Andhra Pradesh’s role in national and regional economic growth.

Commenting on the occasion, ITE&C, HRD and RTG Minister Nara Lokesh said: “I wholeheartedly welcome global brand WTC to Visakhapatnam. The establishment of the WTC will put the coastal city on the global map. It’s the beginning of an investment revolution that will transform Andhra Pradesh into an economic powerhouse in coming years. This investment is a shining example of our path-breaking initiative ‘Speed of Doing Business’ which has turned Andhra Pradesh into a magnet for global investors. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, we are confident that Visakhapatnam will attract several such marquee investments”.

The WTC Visakhapatnam features LEED Platinum and Sustainable Design, 100 per cent green operations, Grade A and Build-to-Suit Offices, Collaborative Co-working Spaces and Integrated Social & Lifestyle Hub.

Commenting on the occasion, Y Varaprasad Reddy, Chairman, WTC Visakhapatnam, said: “I extend my sincere thanks to ITE&C, HRD and RTG Minister Nara Lokesh garu for his exemplary support all along. Under his dynamic leadership and under the visionary guidance of Hon’ble Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh is fast emerging as the best and most-sought-after investment destination in India. I assure that the WTC Visakhapatnam, which will focus on R&D, upskilling, innovation and work-to-work concept, will play a key role in attracting global investors to Andhra Pradesh and Visakhapatnam”.

To mark the occasion, the WTC Visakhapatnam organised an investors’ meet. Large number of entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders and government officials took part in the WTC Visakhapatnam’s groundbreaking and foundation stone laying ceremony.                

Earlier, the IT & HRD Minister performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Advanced Software Innovation and AI Excellence Center of Sails Software at IT Hill No. 3. The project will create over 300 jobs and focus on AI-driven enterprise solutions aligned with Digital Andhra Pradesh and the India AI Mission.

At IT Hill No. 2, he inaugurated iSpace Software Solutions, which will establish an R&D center focused on AI, automation-enabled BPO/KPO, and healthcare ITeS services. The company employs 1,500 people globally across India and the US

The Minister also performed the groundbreaking ceremony of Tech Tammina’s facility and Phenom’s Global Development Center (GDC) at IT Hill No. 2.

Tech Tammina’s new facility will focus on low-code and AI technologies, creating 2,000 jobs over five years. The company operates across India, the U.S., the U.K., and the UAE. Phenom’s GDC will see an initial investment of Rs 20 crore, generating 400 jobs, followed by Rs 185 crore in the next phase to employ 2,100 people.

At Madhurawada IT Hill No. 3, he launched the Raheja IT Space and Luxury Residential Project, involving Rs 2,172 crore investment and 8,000 jobs. The $5.9 billion group, known for its Mindspace REIT, serves over 300 global clients in commercial, residential, and retail sectors.