BUSAN : Andhra Pradesh has reached out to South Korea‘s maritime industry, inviting leading marine equipment manufacturers to become partners in the development of the proposed ₹30,000 crore Dugarajapatnam Shipbuilding Cluster, a project expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing capabilities.
The invitation was extended by Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, Information Technology and Electronics Nara Lokesh during a maritime investment roundtable hosted by the Korea Marine Equipment Association (KOMEA) in Busan.
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s strategic maritime advantages, Lokesh said the State’s 1,053-km coastline, modernising ports, robust industrial base and investor-friendly policies provide an ideal platform for establishing globally competitive maritime manufacturing facilities.
He called upon Korean marine equipment manufacturers to participate in the Dugarajapatnam Shipbuilding Cluster, which is being jointly developed by the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) and the Visakhapatnam Port Authority. The integrated maritime hub is envisioned to attract shipbuilders, marine equipment manufacturers, component suppliers, technology providers and ancillary industries, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for the shipbuilding sector.
To deepen long-term cooperation, Lokesh proposed a strategic partnership between KOMEA and APMB for setting up a Korea Marine Equipment Desk, an India Ship Technology Centre, joint skill development programmes and collaborative research and innovation initiatives. The proposed collaboration aims to facilitate technology exchange, strengthen industry-academia partnerships and support the growth of a globally competitive maritime manufacturing ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh.
The initiative forms part of Andhra Pradesh’s broader strategy to attract international investment into high-value manufacturing sectors while supporting India’s ambition of emerging as a global centre for shipbuilding, ship repair and marine engineering.
Beyond the maritime sector, the State also intensified its engagement with South Korean manufacturers in the footwear industry.
During discussions with executives of Hwaseung Group, Lokesh welcomed the company’s proposed ₹900 crore greenfield non-leather footwear manufacturing facility at Kuppam and invited it to broaden its investment footprint by establishing footwear component and raw material manufacturing units, a next-generation athletic footwear research and development centre, an Asia-Pacific Innovation Centre and a larger integrated manufacturing cluster in the region.
Heo Seong Ryon, Chief Executive Officer of Hwaseung Corporation’s Affiliated Business, said the Kuppam facility is planned to manufacture nearly 20 million pairs of sports shoes annually for global brands, including Adidas. He noted that production will initially focus on export markets before catering to domestic demand, while confirming that the company would examine the State’s proposals for additional investments.
Boo Young Group also expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh’s footwear and component manufacturing sector.
As part of its efforts to establish a stronger international investment network, the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) inaugurated APEX Korea in Busan, the State’s first overseas investment facilitation and outreach centre. The centre will serve as a dedicated interface for Korean businesses by supporting new investments, facilitating project implementation and providing continued assistance to existing investors.
Lokesh also met representatives of BNK Financial Group and invited the institution to explore opportunities across Andhra Pradesh’s infrastructure, financial services and innovation sectors, while encouraging it to connect global investors with projects being developed in the State.
The visit underscores Andhra Pradesh’s proactive approach to building international partnerships and attracting strategic investments across maritime, manufacturing and industrial sectors, reinforcing the State’s position as an emerging destination for global businesses.
