Andhra CM discusses capital development with Singapore minister

On the second day of his visit to Singapore, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday called on Second Minister for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran and discussed the development of new state capital.

During the meeting, Naidu discussed various aspects of the development of Amaravati through the Swiss Challenge method.

Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Y. Ramakrishnudu and Municipal Administration Minister P. Narayana and senior officials were also present during the meeting.

With Singapore government already preparing three master plans for development of capital region, capital city and seed capital, Naidu is visiting that country to seek its partnership in construction of the capital city.

On his third visit to Singapore in last one year, Naidu will also invite Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the new capital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lay foundation stone of Amaravati on October 22.

After a lunch meeting with Iswaran, Naidu also delivered a public lecture at the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) which was moderated by Indian Ambassador Gopinath Pillai.

Inviting investors to invest in Andhra Pradesh, Naidu said it has many advantages including a long sea coast. He said his government aimed to develop the state as logistics hub of Southeast Asia. "We are ranked second in cargo handling in the country and we will reach the top position," he said.

The chief minister said building the state capital was one of the greatest advantages for the state.

"I'm now asking Singapore to join us to build our capital. I'm hopeful they will come forward to do this as well," he said, adding that Amaravati will not only serve as an administrative area but also model itself as an economy and knowledge driver.

Stating that his government is aiming for double-digit growth, Naidu told the audience that the state has been ranked second in 'Ease of Doing Business' by the World Bank.