The Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) serves as the Indian state’s premier agency for promoting investments, facilitating ease of doing business, and advancing strategic economic development. As a single-window interface between investors and the government, APEDB plays a pivotal role in enabling high-impact projects across diverse sectors.
Saikanth Varma, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2015 batch, is leading this initiative. A computer science graduate from IIT Madras, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise and administrative acumen to his role as CEO of APEDB. Before his civil service, Saikanth worked as a software engineer with global tech giants Amazon and Google.
We invited Saikanth to share his insights on Andhra Pradesh’s strategic positioning in attracting Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and the state’s vision for becoming a hub for high-value, knowledge-driven operations.
Q. How is Andhra Pradesh gearing up for getting the lion’s share of GCC companies looking to set up new centres or expand their operations in India?
Saikanth Varma: Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as India’s premier destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) through a compelling blend of visionary policies, infrastructure, and talent readiness. Our IT & GCC Policy 2024-29 is tailored to attract and support GCCs, offering a highly competitive incentive package that includes rent exemptions, job creation subsidies, and skill development support. We’re focused on integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI, Data Analytics, and Cloud Computing with industry needs, ensuring GCCs find an enabling ecosystem to scale operations rapidly.
Our commitment extends beyond policies. Visakhapatnam, a rising tier-two hub, offers world-class IT infrastructure, vibrant social amenities, and a cost advantage of up to 20% over traditional metros. With dedicated single-window clearances, proactive state support, and a strong focus on upskilling, Andhra Pradesh is not just offering space; we’re offering a dynamic ecosystem for GCCs to thrive.
Q. What advantages does Andhra Pradesh have vis-à-vis the more established locations where these centres are located?
Saikanth Varma: Andhra Pradesh offers a unique combination of cost-effectiveness, quality of life, and talent availability that outshines established metros. Cities like Visakhapatnam offer 20-25% lower operating costs, supported by a vast, readily employable talent pool of over 25 million working-age professionals. The presence of premier institutions like IIM, GITAM, and a robust network of engineering and management colleges ensures a steady talent pipeline. Additionally, Visakhapatnam’s liveability, vibrant culture, and infrastructure, ranging from beaches to tech parks, create a holistic environment that appeals to top talent.
Our proactive governance, recognised as No.1 in ease of doing business, is pushing towards being number one in speed, ensuring investors experience unmatched efficiency and support.
Q. GCCs are increasingly moving up the value chain in terms of the quality of the work being done. How does the state’s policy make it compelling for companies to set up operations here?
Saikanth Varma: Our IT & GCC Policy 4.0 is designed to foster high-value, knowledge-driven operations. It not only offers generous operational incentives but also prioritises employment-linked benefits, including job creation subsidies and incentives for top-tier talent. We are actively promoting value-added work through a focus on emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, IoT, and data analytics. This aligns with the evolving GCC landscape, where companies are shifting from transactional tasks to high-end design, R&D, and innovation.
Furthermore, Andhra Pradesh’s emphasis on sustainability and product perfection, through decarbonization incentives and value addition subsidies, signals our commitment to future-ready, high-quality outputs. Our talent ecosystem is complemented by industry-aligned skilling initiatives and innovation hubs, ensuring companies not only access but also nurture world-class talent in an enabling business environment.
Q. Work, workplace, and workforce are undergoing a significant change. GCCs in which sectors would Andhra Pradesh like to target so that it is a win-win for the state, its people, and the industry?
Saikanth Varma: Andhra Pradesh envisions itself as a hub for GCCs in sectors like fintech, AI & analytics, cloud computing, datacentres, healthtech, pharma, logistics, and embedded software. These sectors align with our strategic focus areas and leverage our strengths in digital innovation, cost-effective infrastructure, and a rapidly growing, skilled workforce. Our vibrant social infrastructure and liveability quotient, especially in cities like Visakhapatnam, provide an attractive setting for next-generation workplaces.
By targeting high-value GCCs, we ensure not just employment generation but also a knowledge-based economy that fosters innovation and sustainability. The state’s commitment to skilling through programmes like the Future Skills Credit and collaboration with global IT firms ensures that our workforce remains future-ready, making Andhra Pradesh a natural choice for companies seeking long-term growth.
Q. Andhra Pradesh’s IT & GCC Policy 2024-29 mentions that the state is going through a “transformative era, poised to leverage the immense potential of the knowledge economy”. What could make the state emerge as the first among GCC destinations in the country?
Saikanth Varma: Andhra Pradesh’s holistic approach, combining policy, infrastructure, talent, and lifestyle, is positioning it to leapfrog into the top GCC destinations in India. Our competitive cost advantage, proactive governance, and tailor-made incentives create a fertile ground for companies to not just set up but scale high-value operations. The state’s emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and future technologies aligns with the evolving needs of global corporations, giving them a strategic edge.
Our cities like Visakhapatnam are not just business-friendly, they are liveable, vibrant, and resilient, offering an ecosystem that blends work with wellness. The sheer scale of our talent pool, supported by continuous skilling and digital infrastructure readiness, ensures companies can access and retain top talent. Andhra Pradesh is poised to be the first choice for forward-thinking GCCs aiming for scale, quality, and a sustainable future.
Q. You’ve worked at Google & Amazon in the past. How does your experience help in making sure that the biggest technology brands can make Andhra Pradesh one of their homes?
Saikanth Varma: Having experienced the operational scale, agility, and innovation mindset of Google and Amazon, I understand what global technology giants seek: seamless ease of doing business, robust infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a culture of continuous innovation. At Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board, we are integrating these learnings into the state’s investment strategy, ensuring that global companies find a familiar, supportive, and future-ready ecosystem here.
We are embedding best practices from global tech leaders into our governance and facilitation frameworks, ensuring companies can swiftly transition from intent to execution. With Andhra Pradesh’s natural advantages, cost, talent, infrastructure, and liveability, we are not just offering a location; we are offering a competitive edge for global GCCs to thrive and lead from India.
This interview is part of an exclusive GCC Pulse feature highlighting how emerging destinations like Andhra Pradesh are reshaping the future of India’s Global Capability Centre landscape. With progressive policies, a future-ready workforce, and a bold vision for digital innovation, Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as a serious contender for the next wave of GCC investments. Stay tuned as GCC Pulse continues to bring you insights from leaders shaping India’s knowledge economy.
