Visakhapatnam: In another sign of its growing global reputation, Vizag was entrusted with the responsibility of hosting the 3rd BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Urban Forum meeting in September, 2016.
Amid speculations over the last few months, the Union government has zeroed in on Vizag as the venue for this internationally significant event and sent an official communiqué to the state government recently.
The three-day meet, from September 14 to 16, would throw light on the challenges faced by the cities and the emergence of new urban spaces with rapid urbanisation.
It would also provide a platform for each participant country to learn the best practices of other BRICS countries and adapt them in making their cities smart at their backyard.
The state government has formed a steering committee (SC) under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to provide the required leadership and guidance to the authorities involved in conducting the event.
Municipal administration and urban development principal secretary would act as the member convenor of the SC. The SC also comprises of several special chief secretaries, principal secretaries, secretaries, commissioner (I&PR) and Director General of Police.
The state government has also constituted a management committee for day-to-day planning and organisation of the event under the leadership and guidance of the steering committee.
GVMC commissioner and proposed Member Convenor of the Management Comm-ittee, Pravin Kumar, said that this is one of the biggest events Vizag is going to host.
“Besides helping Vizag seize a permanent place on the global map, the BRICS meet would help showcase opportunities in ‘Sunrise Andhra Pradesh’, particularly Visakhapatnam and Amaravati, to the world. The meet could also help provide investment opportunities from the New Development Bank (NDB), formerly referred to as the BRICS Development Bank, among other benefits. This mega event is also a prime occasion to showcase the landscape and the beauty of Visakhapatnam,” Mr Kumar added.
