Officials from Yokohama City Council in Japan came forward to collaborate with Andhra Pradesh in making Kakinada a smart city.
During a meeting with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu today at Secretariat, Yokohama port president Masayuki Takashima and other delegates gave a presentation on the Yokohama City development. Yokohama is Japan’s second largest city. In November last year, delegation from Andhra Pradesh had visited Japan and Yokohama Port.
Through the presentation, the Chief Minister was informed about the City Centre Enhancement Project, Kanazawa Reclamation Project, Konoku New Town, Subway Lines and transportation and Underground Expressway Projects.
“Essential component of city’s development include consultation and participation of people,” the Chief Minister was informed.
Yokohama officials said they will visit the port city soon and identify areas of collaboration with the Government.
The Chief Minister explained to the Japanese delegates that the city is a picturesque one with abundant water and energy. “Currently, there’s a 4-lane road between Visakhapatnam and Kakinada. Soon, we are planning a beach road that will cover three States and one Union Territory,” he said, adding that it also has two ports.
The Chief Minister sought their expertise in city revamping, waste management, tourism, enhancing infrastructure and civic amenities and reducing pollution.
“Given that Japan is strong in hardware, you can also lend your expertise and support us with our Electronics and Hardware Park in Kakinada,” he added.
Secretary Municipal Administration & Urban Development A. Giridhar said an MoU can be signed between the Government and Yokohama City after a meeting with Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) minister later this month-end.