Naidu meets Singapore PM Wong
Singapore: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Monday and sought the city-state's cooperation in urban governance, semiconductors, quantum technology, AI, and university research.
The meeting, held at the Prime Minister's official residence during Naidu's two-day visit, lasted 30 minutes. The Chief Minister requested Singapore's support for building a semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem and capacity building in Andhra Pradesh. He also sought collaboration in urban governance for Amaravati and other cities and towns in the state.
Push for agri, aqua exports
Naidu explained that Andhra Pradesh is promoting natural farming and urged Singapore to consider importing horticulture and aquaculture products from the state. He said efforts are under way to achieve certification and traceability for natural farming produce.
The Chief Minister said A.P. and Singapore should work together to leverage opportunities in ports and airports development. Prime Minister Wong enquired about the construction works in Amaravati. Mr. Naidu briefed him on educational institutions, infrastructure, and international-standard projects under way in the capital, adding that Amaravati would rank among the most liveable cities.
Naidu said the state is building public health infrastructure and working on population management. He informed Mr. Wong that Andhra Pradesh is targeting 160 GW of green energy generation.
The two leaders also discussed global demographic decline and exchanged views on measures such as affordable housing and childcare. They observed that manufacturing and supply chain sectors, along with services, would expand significantly in India.
Air connectivity talks
Following the meeting with the Prime Minister, Naidu held talks with Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on strategic partnerships between A.P. and Singapore. The discussions covered air services and connectivity between the two regions.
The Chief Minister briefed Balakrishnan on Amaravati's construction and said A.P. is emerging as a leader in both manufacturing and services. He said the state has land availability for industries and skilled human resources for the services sector.
He highlighted A.P.'s role in green energy, green ammonia, and green hydrogen production. He also cited the state's long coastline and ports for cargo movement. He said Visakhapatnam is developing a data centre ecosystem and subsea cables are being planned to connect A.P. globally.
Naidu added that Amaravati is being developed as a Quantum Valley and ArcelorMittal is setting up a steel plant in North Andhra.
Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development P. Narayana, Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule and senior officials participated in the meeting.
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