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Andhra Pradesh government has inaugurated its first overseas investment facilitation centre in Busan, South Korea in a strategic move to strengthen global investment outreach and position itself as a preferred manufacturing and maritime hub. Named APEX Korea (Andhra Pradesh External Engagement – Korea), the centre has been established by the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) to serve as a dedicated platform for attracting Korean investments and supporting existing investors.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in the state's international engagement strategy, creating a permanent institutional presence in one of Asia's leading industrial economies. Located in Busan, South Korea's maritime and commercial capital, APEX Korea will provide end-to-end support to Korean companies exploring investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh, facilitate project implementation, and offer investor aftercare services to ensure long-term business partnerships.
The launch coincided with Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh's investment outreach visit to South Korea, where he invited leading Korean maritime equipment manufacturers to participate in the proposed ₹30,000-crore Dugarajapatnam Shipbuilding Cluster. Speaking at a maritime investment roundtable organised by the Korea Marine Equipment Association (KOMEA), Lokesh highlighted Andhra Pradesh's strategic advantages, including its 1,053-km coastline, expanding port infrastructure, industrial ecosystem and investor-friendly policies.
The state also proposed deeper collaboration between KOMEA and the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board through initiatives such as a Korea Marine Equipment Desk, an India Ship Technology Centre, joint skill development programmes and collaborative research and innovation projects. These initiatives aim to strengthen technology transfer and build a globally competitive maritime manufacturing ecosystem.
Beyond maritime manufacturing, Andhra Pradesh expanded its engagement with South Korean companies in the footwear and financial services sectors. During discussions with the Hwaseung Group, the government encouraged the company to expand its proposed ₹900-crore footwear manufacturing project in Kuppam by establishing component manufacturing facilities, an advanced R&D centre and an integrated footwear cluster. The Boo Young Group also expressed interest in exploring manufacturing opportunities in the state.
The delegation also met representatives of BNK Financial Group, inviting the institution to explore financing opportunities across infrastructure, innovation and industrial development while connecting global investors with projects in Andhra Pradesh.
With dedicated support for foreign investors and targeted outreach to globally competitive industries, the initiative is expected to strengthen foreign direct investment inflows while supporting the state's ambitions of becoming a leading hub for maritime manufacturing, shipbuilding, logistics and export-oriented industries.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to dedicate Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited’s (MRPL) Devangonthi Marketing Terminal in Bengaluru to the nation today. Developed at an investment of ₹330 crore, the facility is expected to strengthen Karnataka’s petroleum storage and distribution infrastructure while improving fuel supply reliability across Bengaluru and neighbouring markets. Spread across 20 acres, the terminal has a storage capacity of 77,000 kilolitres and is connected to MRPL’s Mangaluru refinery through the 363-km Petronet Mangalore-Hassan-Bangalore Pipeline. The pipeline-based arrangement enables the movement of finished petroleum products from the coastal refinery to the Bengaluru terminal, reducing dependence on long-distance road transportation for bulk fuel movement. The Devangonthi facility is designed to handle multiple petroleum products, including petrol, diesel and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). Its customer base includes Bengaluru airport, MRPL’s HiQ retail outlets, other oil marketing companies (OMCs) and industrial consumers. The infrastructure is expected to support the growing fuel requirements of the aviation, retail and industrial sectors in Karnataka. Strengthening Fuel Distribution Infrastructure To streamline terminal operations and improve distribution efficiency, the facility is equipped with 10 automated truck-loading bays and digital control systems. These systems are intended to facilitate efficient loading operations while maintaining operational safety and reliability. The terminal also incorporates dedicated storage and blending infrastructure for ethanol and biodiesel, enabling the blending of biofuels with conventional petrol and diesel. A significant aspect of the project is its potential environmental benefit. By shifting long-distance transportation of petroleum products from road to pipeline, particularly along the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats route, MRPL estimates that the facility could help avoid approximately 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Reduced dependence on fuel tanker movements over long distances is also expected to contribute to improved road safety and lower transportation-related environmental impacts. Beyond its operational advantages, the project is expected to generate more than 280 direct and indirect employment opportunities. It is also expected to facilitate the expansion of MRPL’s fuel distribution network and support industrial and commercial activities across Karnataka and neighbouring markets. Boost to Karnataka’s Energy Infrastructure The dedication of the Devangonthi Marketing Terminal is part of a broader infrastructure development programme being undertaken in Karnataka. During his visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to dedicate and inaugurate several development projects in Bengaluru, collectively valued at over ₹15,600 crore, covering sectors such as urban mobility, power transmission, renewable energy, petroleum infrastructure, waste management and railways. Among the other petroleum infrastructure projects on the programme is the dedication of an underground LPG storage cavern in Mangaluru, developed at an investment of over ₹850 crore. With a storage capacity of 80,000 metric tonnes, the facility is expected to strengthen the country's LPG storage capabilities. With its pipeline connectivity, substantial storage capacity and automated distribution infrastructure, MRPL’s Devangonthi terminal represents an important addition to Karnataka’s energy logistics network. The project is expected to improve the efficiency of petroleum product movement, strengthen regional fuel availability and support the state's expanding economic and industrial requirements. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Interarch Building Solutions Limited has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Kheda, Gujarat, marking a significant expansion of its manufacturing capabilities and reinforcing its commitment to India's growing industrial and infrastructure sectors. The new plant strengthens the company's pan-India production network while enhancing its ability to serve customers across Western and Central India as well as key export markets. Spread across nearly 12 acres, the Kheda facility has been developed with complete infrastructure to support an installed manufacturing capacity of 40,000 metric tonnes (MT) per annum. The first phase of the project, inaugurated on 9 July 2026, adds 20,000 MT of annual capacity through an investment of ₹60 crore, while the second phase will take the total investment to approximately ₹70 crore and double the plant's capacity to 40,000 MT annually. The new manufacturing unit is equipped with advanced automation and precision engineering technologies designed to improve production efficiency, product quality and turnaround times. Strategically located in Gujarat, the facility is expected to strengthen Interarch's service capabilities across Western India while improving export readiness through its proximity to major ports. The project is also expected to generate more than 400 direct and indirect employment opportunities, contributing to the state's industrial and economic development. Interarch already has a strong presence in Gujarat, having executed projects for leading organisations including Adani, Reliance, Aditya Birla Group, Asian Paints, BKT Tires, MG Motors, Torrent Power and Hitachi, among others. The new facility further strengthens the company's long-term commitment to supporting Gujarat's expanding industrial ecosystem. Commenting on the inauguration, Arvind Nanda, Managing Director, Interarch Building Solutions Limited, said: "India is witnessing a significant transformation in industrial infrastructure, supported by rising public investment, manufacturing expansion and the rapid development of logistics, warehousing, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing ecosystems. The inauguration of our Kheda facility comes at a pivotal time, enabling Interarch to meet the growing demand for high-quality, sustainable and time-efficient steel construction solutions. This investment reflects our long-term confidence in India's manufacturing story and our commitment to creating world-class infrastructure that supports the nation's industrial ambitions." Gautam Suri, Whole-Time Director, Interarch Building Solutions Limited, said: "With the commissioning of our Gujarat facility, we have successfully expanded our manufacturing network to better serve customers across the country while enhancing our export readiness. The plant has been designed with advanced manufacturing technologies that will improve productivity, quality and delivery capabilities. As demand continues to grow from sectors such as renewable energy, semiconductors, data centres, logistics, EVs and advanced manufacturing, this facility positions Interarch to deliver faster, smarter and more sustainable steel construction solutions." The commissioning of the Kheda plant completes Interarch's strategic manufacturing footprint across India and supports the company's long-term expansion strategy in the pre-engineered steel construction segment. The investment is expected to strengthen its ability to deliver sustainable, high-performance steel construction solutions for industrial, commercial and infrastructure projects across domestic and international markets. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
DP World has partnered with Lintara Properties, the real estate development arm of Arcapita Group Holdings, to begin construction of a new 20,000-square-metre build-to-suit logistics facility at Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza). The project is expected to further strengthen Dubai's position as a leading logistics and supply chain gateway for regional and international trade. The upcoming Grade A warehouse, being developed by Lintara Properties, will be integrated into DP World's end-to-end logistics network across the GCC. Construction is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027, after which the facility will be operated by DP World. Designed to cater to rising demand for premium logistics infrastructure, the warehouse will feature nearly 12-metre clear-height storage, temperature-controlled zones, dedicated hazardous goods storage, modern office spaces and other operational support facilities. The infrastructure is intended to help businesses manage increasingly complex supply chains while improving efficiency and scalability. Commenting on the development, Ahmad Yousef Al-Hassan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, said the project reflects the growing need for purpose-built logistics infrastructure capable of supporting integrated supply chain operations. He noted that the facility would enhance Jafza's warehousing capabilities while reinforcing Dubai's role as a preferred trade and logistics destination. Isa Al Khalifa, Managing Director and Head of MENA Real Estate at Arcapita and CEO of Lintara Properties, said the project underscores the company's commitment to developing institutional-grade logistics assets tailored to customer requirements. He added that Jafza continues to witness strong demand for strategically located, high-quality warehousing facilities that support efficient distribution and long-term operational performance. Once construction is complete, Lintara Properties will transition from development manager to asset manager for the project. The investment also aligns with Arcapita's broader strategy of expanding its portfolio of tenant-focused industrial and logistics real estate across key regional markets, where demand for modern warehousing continues to rise.
