By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Singapore President Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam will visit India during Januray. During his India visit, he will also come to Odisha. Mr. Simon Wong, the High Commissioner of Singapore to India informed this to Chief Minister Sri Mohan Charan Majhi, when he met him at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday.
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, Singapore President is visiting India next month. Besides, during his Singapore visit last month, Chief Minister Sri Majhi had requested the Singapore Government to arrange a visit of Singapore President to Odisha too. Accepting the invitation of the CM, the President has decided to come to Odisha during his India visit.
During the discussion, Mr. Wong said that Singapore would be the first country partner for Utkarsh Odisha- MIO Conclave 2025. He said that while the President is visiting India in Janurary, 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. The Chief Minister 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.
Chief Secretary Sri Manoj Ahuja, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Sri Nikunja Bihari Dhal, ACS Home Sri Satyabrata Sahu, Electronics & IT Principal Secretary Sri Vishal Dev, Skill Development & Technical Education Principal Secretary Sri NBS Rajput also participated in the discussion. Along with the High Commissioner, Ms Alice Cheng, Deputy High Commissioner at New Delhi and other members were present.
