Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will visit Odisha in January 2025 during his India tour, as informed by Singapore high commissioner to India, Simon Wong, during a meeting with chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday.
Wong said that Singapore would be the first country to partner for Utkarsh Odisha — Make in Odisha Conclave 2025. The flagship bineneial investors’ meet (MIO) is scheduled to be held on January 28-29 in Bhubaneswar, showcasing Odisha’a potential to attract investments.
He said that the President has chosen to visit Odisha because of the significant opportunities for strengthening business partnership with the state along with existing cultural ties.
The high commissioner further said that the highlight of the visit will be the state’s potential in petrochemicals, green energy and skills.
Extending his thanks to the Singapore government for facilitating their President’s visit to Odisha, chief minister Majhi said that there is tremendous potential for collaboration between Singapore and Odisha.
The discussion between Odisha and Singapore focused on ways to further strengthen partnership in areas like petrochemical complex, development of industrial parks, new energy, Information Technology (IT), skill development in IT, tourism and cultural exchange.
“The relationship is now poised for the next level in various sectors such as petrochemicals, urban planning, tourism, renewable energy and skill development,” Majhi said.
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 (foreign direct investment) in India. Indian companies have a significant presence in Singapore in sectors like 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 Majhi had requested the Singapore government to arrange a visit of Singapore President to Odisha too. Accepting the invitation of the chief minister, the President has decided to come to Odisha during his India visit,” said a press release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office.
Chief secretary Manoj Ahuja, additional chief secretary to the chief minister Nikunja Bihari Dhal, home department’s additional chief secretary Satyabrata Sahu, Electronics & IT principal secretary Vishal Dev, skill development & technical education principal secretary NBS Rajput also participated in the discussion.
Deputy high commissioner Alice Cheng and other officials from the Singapore delegation were also present at the meeting.
