AP, Singapore varsity ink MoU for joint research

CII also part of tripartite agreement to promote ease of doing business

The Andhra Pradesh (AP) government, National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) have inked a memorandum of understanding in Singapore for cooperation in relation to 'Masterplan on Ease of Doing Business in Andhra Pradesh (MEDBAP): Vision 2020' and other related activities.

The duration of the MoU is from April 1, 2015, to March 31, 2018. As part of the tripartite MoU, the parties will collaborate in conducting joint research programmes on issues such as strategies and assessment on ease of doing business and enhancement of economic competitiveness, according to an official press release here on Tuesday.

The factors to be considered to assess business friendliness will be starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, land acquisition and registration of property, getting credit, protecting minority interests, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency and labour market regulations.

The MoU envisages regular visits of delegations through exchange of ideas and research strategies formulation, holding joint seminars where NUS and AP assess and update their progress on the project.

Asian Competitiveness Institute at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy will be utilised as a platform for investment research, to study economic situations and investment opportunities in AP and Southeast Asian nations and China.

This, according to the AP government, will also help promote joint research output through various channels in India, Singapore and other Asean economies. The parties will also prepare a joint annual progress report summarising and detailing the activities and any research output.

"This will strengthen our relations with Singapore and spring up many innovative ideas and lead to cultural exchange between the two countries," AP chief minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, stated.