Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh signalled a major step towards global collaboration on Friday as Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced that the state is ready to work with Singaporean companies on cutting-edge, high-impact projects. The announcement came during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Government of Singapore in the presence of Singapore Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam.
The MoU focuses on urban governance, real-time and digital governance transformation, and sustainable development. Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT and Industries Nara Lokesh and Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade Gann Soh Hong exchanged the agreement documents on behalf of both governments.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Naidu said Singapore has long been an inspiration for Andhra Pradesh’s development vision. “Singapore stands as a global model for governance and transformation. Leaders like Lee Kuan Yew built it into an extraordinary nation. I had the privilege of contributing to Hyderabad’s growth earlier, and now I have the opportunity to build Amaravati again,” he said.
Naidu thanked Singapore for preparing the Master Plan for Amaravati and said Andhra Pradesh is moving forward with renewed confidence to build itself into a knowledge-driven economy.
‘A New Phase of Partnership Begins’: Nara Lokesh
Minister Nara Lokesh described the MoU as the beginning of “an exceptional journey” between Andhra Pradesh and Singapore. “We are grateful to Singapore for giving us a second chance. Under the experienced leadership of CM Chandrababu Naidu, AP is advancing rapidly. We will work to ensure Andhra Pradesh matches Singapore’s pace of development,” Lokesh said.
Singapore Minister Gann Soh Hong said relations between AP and Singapore would strengthen further and expressed hope that the state would evolve into a “healthy, wealthy and happy society.” He said the MoU marks collaboration in sustainability, digital governance and urban transformation.
Vijayawada–Singapore flight services
Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced that Vijayawada–Singapore flight services will begin soon, operating three days a week. Flights from Visakhapatnam are already running, he noted.
Singapore Home Minister Shanmugam praised the Swarnandhra 2047 Vision and said Andhra Pradesh and Singapore share a strong partnership rooted in mutual growth. A Joint Implementation Steering Committee will monitor the execution of the MoU, he added.
Ministers Ram Mohan Naidu, Nadendla Manohar, Chief Secretary Vijayanand, and senior officials from both sides were present.