AP, US Sign MoU to Make Vizag a Smart City.

Port city Visakhapatnam is all set to join the club of international smart cities very soon, where digital technology will be embedded in all core functions, thus making the lives of citizens more comfortable.

With the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Andhra Pradesh government and US in New Delhi recently to develop Visakhapatnam as a smart city, all key aspects such as governance, energy, mobility, infrastructure, technology and healthcare will soon turn 'smart' with technology.

AP chief secretary IYR Krishna Rao and director of US Trade Development Agency (USTDA) Leocadia Irine Zac signed the MoU in the presence of Union minister for urban development M Venkaiah Naidu.

As per the MoU, USTDA would give financial assistance to AP for undertaking feasibility studies, pilot projects, study tours and workshops, which are necessary for developing Visakhapatnam as a smart city. USTDA will also support consultancies for the development of the city and other agencies of the US government, like the department of commerce and US Exim Bank would also contribute to the effort.

'The US Industry Organisation, which has shown interest in participating in the development of Visakhapatnam, would provide the necessary infrastructure in aviation and energy,' the AP government said.

Under the MoU, specific agreements will be worked out by the AP government and the US agencies with the active participation of Government of India.

While expressing happiness over the US agencies selecting Visakhapatnam for their smart cities

project, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said, 'The MoU is a good beginning for strengthening administration for higher growth.'

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS