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Japan will invest in Amaravati, says PM Shinzo Abe

Naidu invites Abe for inauguration of capital
Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh government has received a shot in the arm with Japan assuring financial assistance in the construction of the new capital, Amaravati. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on Tuesday and sought his help in the development of the new capital of the state. Appreciating AP’s efforts in attracting investments, Mr Abe promised all technical and financial assistance.
During the course of the meeting, Mr Naidu invited him to the foundation-stone laying ceremony that would take place on October 22. He told him that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would also write to him in this regard and the Japanese PM agreed to consider. Akihiro Ohta of the ministry of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism told Mr Naidu that his department is keen to extend cooperation in roads and buildings and infrastructure in Amaravati.
The CM sought MLIT’s cooperation in building AP’s ports, airports, roads and added that they could also help the state in developing the tourism sector. The ministry of economy, trade and industry of Japan headed by Yoichi Miyazawa, has also offered equity participation in the capital development and management.
He informed the Chief Minister that several Japanese companies are ready to be partners in Andhra Pradesh’s capital construction.
“Our trade and industry body is also keen to invest in AP metro rail project if there is a request from the government of India,” the METI minister promised. Replying to this, the CM said he would request the Centre to pursue it.
On the Polaki Power project in Srikakulam district, Mr. Miyazawa told Mr Naidu that they will seek New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization’s participation, which will perform a feasibility report and assist Sumitomo Corporation. Mr Naidu suggested formation of the AP Desk at METI and Mr Miyazawa agreed to consider it.
The Chief Minister has also suggested creating a task force that will take the relationship forward. The task force must meet once every six months, he said, so that the relationship is institutionalized.
AP will be a front runner as part of Japan’s $35 billion-investment promise in India under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Mr Naidu said. He invited both the ministers for the foundation-laying function.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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