The high-level delegation to Singapore led by Industries and Commerce Minister Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore met officials of a few leading agencies of the Singapore Government, which includes Public Utilities Board (PUB) – country's national water agency, Land Transport Authority (LTA), and Singapore Tourism Board.
The delegation explored collaboration opportunities with the officials of these agencies in the field of sustainable water management, urban land transport and tourism.
Appreciating the role played by the PUB in facilitating Singapore's sustainable and climate-friendly growth trajectory, Industries and Commerce Minister Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore said that the state of Rajasthan, despite of its geographical and topographical limitations, has successfully managed its water needs through an extensive network of water canals and water harvesting methods.
“We are open to learning from the PUB's successful model of water management and explore its possible implementation in Rajasthan,” he said.
The delegation comprising chief secretary Sudhansh Pant, principal secretary Gayatri Rathore and other senior officials also visited the campus of Land Transport Authority (LTA) and held discussions with the officials on potential collaboration in the field of sustainable public transport and development of public-friendly cycling and walking infrastructure.
Talks held to promote tourism
The Rajasthan government delegation also held a round of discussion with the officials of Changi Airport and Singapore Tourism Board to look for possibilities of collaboration in Rajasthan in sectors such as tourism, hospitality and related allied sectors.
The Rajasthan Government delegation requested the Singapore Tourism Board to explore the possibility of facilitating the tourists coming to Singapore from abroad to visit Rajasthan at their international tourism and entertainment centre and also setting up a similar centre in Jaipur for the tourists as well as having a direct flight connectivity between Singapore and Jaipur.
The Singapore Tourism Board officials were open to both the suggestions and assured the delegation of exploring possible collaboration in both the areas. During the discussions, Singapore Tourism Board said that their National Association of Travel Agents will be organising a tourism event later this month and invited Rajasthan's travel agents for the same.
Investment sought in real estate
The Industries and Commerce Minister-led delegation also held a meeting with officials of Mapletree Investments, a leading Singaporean real estate developer specializing in logistics infrastructure, while concluding its 4-days Singapore visit.
Positioning Rajasthan as an ideal hub for setting up logistics-related infrastructure, Col. Rathore emphasized state's strategic advantages, including its ample vacant land and proximity to the national capital, during the meeting and assured full support of Rajasthan government in facilitating Mapletree's expansion into the State.
The Industries and Commerce Minister encouraged company's India team to visit Rajasthan to explore potential opportunities and invited them to participate in the upcoming ‘Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024. Officials of Mappletree expressed their interest in establishing a logistics centre in Rajasthan as the company is looking to expand its ventures beyond Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai.
Prakash Bhandari is a veteran journalist with over 50 years of experience. He has worked with The Times of India for 30 years and contributed to leading publications as well as international news agency AFP.
