Bhubaneswar: Singapore(SG) would be the first country partner for Utkarsh Odisha- MIO Conclave, to be held in January next year.
This was decided at a high-level meeting between Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and High Commissioner of Singapore to India Simon Wong held here at Lok Seva Bhawan today.
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will visit India during January. During his India visit, he will also come to Odisha, informed Wong.
It may be mentioned here that Singapore and India are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relationship. Both the nations enjoy deep historical, cultural and economic ties. This relationship has now evolved into a strategic partnership encompassing areas like trade, defence, technology and cultural exchange.
Singapore is one of the largest sources of FDI in India. India too has a strong presence in Singapore through its companies in IT, banking and manufacturing.
With shared values of democracy, innovation and sustainable development, both nations are keen to strengthen ties for mutual growth and regional stability.
To commemorate this bilateral tie, the Singapore President is visiting India next month. Besides, during his Singapore visit last month, Chief Minister Shri Majhi had requested the Singapore Government to arrange a visit of the Singapore President to Odisha too.
Accepting the invitation of the CM, the President has decided to come to Odisha during his India visit next month.
During the discussion, Wong said that while the President is visiting India in January, Odisha is the only State he chose to visit as he sees the huge opportunity for strengthening business partnership with Odisha along with the existing cultural ties.
He further said that the highlight of the visit will be the state’s potential in petrochemicals, green energy and skills.
Welcoming the High Commissioner and his team, the Chief Minister extended his thanks to the Singapore Government for accepting his invitation to Singapore President for a visit to Odisha.
He said that there is tremendous potential for collaboration between Singapore and Odisha. He further stated that the relationship is now poised for the next level in various sectors such as petrochemicals, urban planning, tourism, renewable energy and skill development.
The CM also expressed his thanks to the Singapore Government for hosting him and Team Odisha that resulted in a successful visit last month.
The discussion focused on ways to further strengthen partnership in areas like petrochemical complex, development of industrial parks, new energy, IT, skill development in IT, tourism and cultural exchange.
Among others, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Nikunja Bihari Dhal, ACS Home Satyabrata Sahu, Electronics & IT Principal Secretary Vishal Dev, Skill Development & Technical Education Principal Secretary NBS Rajput also participated in the discussion.
Along with the High Commissioner, Alice Cheng, Deputy High Commissioner at New Delhi and other members were present.