Finance
Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will visit India in January. During his trip to India, he plans to visit Odisha. Simon Wong, Singapore’s High Commissioner, conveyed this during a meeting with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan today.
It may be highlighted here that Singapore and India are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations. Both nations have strong historical, cultural, and economic relations. This connection has evolved into a strategic alliance that covers trade, defense, technology, and cultural interaction. Singapore is a major supplier of FDI in India. India also has a substantial presence in Singapore, including enterprises in IT, banking, and manufacturing. With common principles like democracy, creativity, and sustainable development, both nations are keen to strengthen ties for mutual growth and regional stability.
According to the CMO’s release, the Singapore President will visit India next month to mark this bilateral tie.
In addition, during his visit to Singapore last month, Chief Minister Majhi requested that the Singapore government arrange for the Singapore President to visit Odisha as well. Accepting the CM’s offer, the President has decided to visit Odisha during his India visit.
During the conversation, Wong stated that Singapore will be the first country partner for the Utkarsh Odisha-MIO Conclave 2025. He stated that when the President is visiting India in January, Odisha is the only state he decided to visit because he sees a big chance to build business partnerships with Odisha, in addition to existing cultural relations. He further said that the highlight of the visit will be the state’s potential in petrochemicals, green energy and skills.
The Chief Minister welcomed the High Commissioner and his entourage, and thanked the Singapore government for accepting his invitation. The Chief Minister stated that there is enormous potential for partnership between Singapore and Odisha. He went on to say that the relationship is now ready to take the next step in a variety of industries, including petrochemicals, urban planning, tourism, renewable energy, and skill development. The CM also thanked the Singapore government for hosting him and Team Odisha, resulting in a successful visit last month.
The debate centered on how to strengthen collaborations in areas such as petrochemical complexes, industrial park development, new energy, information technology, IT talent development, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Nikunja Bihari Dhal, ACS Home Satyabrata Sahu, Electronics & IT Principal Secretary Vishal Dev, and Skill Development & Technical Education Principal Secretary NBS Rajput all took part in the debate.
Along with the High Commissioner, Alice Cheng, Deputy High Commissioner at New Delhi and other members were present.
