Lokesh explores opportunities in seafood exports, agri-tech, and innovation partnerships in Australia

On the third day of his Australia tour on Tuesday, Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT Nara Lokesh held a series of high-level meetings aimed at enhancing cooperation in seafood exports, sustainable agriculture, city development, and innovation partnerships between Andhra Pradesh and Australia.

In Parramatta, Mr. Lokesh met Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) CEO Veronica Papacosta and Stakeholder Engagement Manager Jasmine Kelly to discuss strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s seafood export network.

The SIA, which represents over 30,000 members from wild catch, aquaculture, and processing sectors, contributes about AUD 3.5 billion annually to the Australian economy. Papacosta said the SIA works closely with the government and research institutions to enhance biosecurity and export standards.

According to a statement, Mr. Lokesh said that Andhra Pradesh accounted for over 60% of India’s total aqua exports, valued at USD 7.4 billion (₹66,000 crore) during 2024–25. He urged SIA to facilitate trade missions and buyer-seller networking between Andhra Pradesh exporters and global importers. He emphasised the need for modern cold chain management, packaging, and processing technologies to enhance product quality and shelf life, and invited collaboration in sustainable aquaculture and seafood-based culinary tourism.

Later, he met Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter, appreciating his initiatives in promoting local business, green spaces, and the landmark Parramatta Square development. Mr. Lokesh sought Parramatta’s support in developing major Andhra Pradesh cities under the ‘Startup State’ vision, and visited the Little India Riverside Food Court at Harris Park, a hub celebrating Indian cuisine and culture.

Collaboration with WSU

At Western Sydney University (WSU), Mr. Lokesh discussed partnerships in AI-driven agriculture, smart irrigation, and sustainable farming. He invited WSU to collaborate with Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) in Andhra Pradesh to train farmers and agri-professionals in precision farming and data-driven agriculture.

WSU, ranked among the top 2% of global universities, shared its research initiatives in AI, IoT, and environmental sustainability that support global food security.

Mr. Lokesh met New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Innovation, Science, and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong. He proposed an Andhra Pradesh–NSW Innovation and Industry Partnership to promote collaboration in advanced manufacturing, green technology, and startups.

Mr. Lokesh invited an NSW business delegation to the Visakhapatnam Partnership Summit- 2025, and suggested linking NSW’s innovation clusters with Andhra Pradesh’s upcoming startup hubs in Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, and Anantapur.