Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh engaged with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering in Seoul to propose establishing a dedicated shipbuilding cluster along the state’s 1,000-kilometer coastline, pointing to the state’s fast-track approvals and port infrastructure. At an event organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Vijayawada, trade experts urged Indian businesses and MSMEs to utilize expanding FTAs with regions like the UAE, Australia, and the EU to integrate into global supply chains. However, regional project execution faces timelines adjustments, as the Andhra Pradesh government granted a second extension to the ₹4,923-crore Ramayapatnam port project until December 30, 2026, due to land acquisition delays, infrastructure gaps, and severe weather disruptions, without applying financial penalties on contractors. Additionally, ongoing West Asia geopolitical instability has disrupted tea exports at Kochi auctions. Soaring freight rates and port congestion have slowed overseas purchases for orthodox tea, while strong domestic demand continues to sustain firm pricing for quality CTC teas.