USA to assist in development of smart cities in UP, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh

USTDA signs MoUs for development of Allahabad, Ajmer and Visakhapatnam as smart cities

Giving a fillip to the programme of developing smart cities in the country, the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) signed three Memorandums of Understanding on Cooperation to Support the Development of Smart Cities in Uttar Pradesh , Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh with respective state governments . The MoUs with specific reference to development of Allahabad, Ajmer and Visakhapatnam as smart cities were signed in the presence of Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu.

Leocardia I.Zak, Director, USTDA signed the MoUs on behalf of USTDA while Shri Alok Ranjan, Chief Secretary , Govt. of UP, Shri C.S.Ranjan, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Rajasthan and Shri I.V.R.Krishna Rao, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh signed on behalf of state governments. Under the MoUs, the USTDA will contribute funding for necessary feasibility studies and pilots , study tours , workshops/trainings and other projects to be mutually determined . It will invite a Smart Solutions for Smart Cities Reverse Trade Mission delegation to the US, with delegates from the there states. It will also fund advisory services to support the development of smart cities .

USTDA will collaborate with other US government agencies like the Department of Commerce, the US Export Import Bank and other trade and economic agencies to promote greater US-India infrastructure development cooperation and to support development of smart cities.

USTDA will enable U.S Industry organizations to mobilize private sector expertise and resources to address important aviation and energy related infrastructure connected to developing smart cities.

Under the MoUs that came into effect today, the respective state governments will provide resources in support, coordination and facilitation of the development of smart cities including technical information and data related to smart cities planning, staff, logistical and travel support etc.

The MoUs referred to the U.S-India Joint Statement of September 30,2014 related to the first bilateral summit meeting between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in which the US Government welcomed the India's offer for US industry to be the lead partner in developing smart cities in Allahabad, Ajmer and Visakhapatnam.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu observed that India-US cooperation has acquired a new dimension with the signing of MoUs which will make significant contribution to building smart cities.

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