Maryland, a State in the United States of America, has signed the 'Sister State' pact with Andhra Pradesh, the first with any Indian State.
The pact will facilitate cooperation in the fields of trade, agriculture, life sciences research, education and healthcare sectors.
Maryland Governor Mr Martin O'Malley, who is in India on a week-long tour, has said the pact would go a long way in exploring opportunities in various fields. After Hyderabad, the Maryland delegation, which comprises representatives from private sector, would go to Mumbai (November 29-December 1) and New Delhi (December 1-3). Maryland houses 3,070 firms owned by Indian-Americans with a combined workforce of 26,870.
Addressing the gathering, Mr N Kiran Kumar Reddy, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, has called for technology exchanges in agriculture and life sciences. "With large number of small farm holding, we need know-how to increase productivity," he said.
Marking the event, four memoranda of understanding were signed between Indian and Maryland firms.