Telangana govt, Kitakyushu city sign pact to boost economic growth, urban innovation

Hyderabad: The Telangana govt on Monday signed an agreement of cooperation with the Japanese city of Kitakyushu to strengthen relations and boost inclusive economic growth, achieve zero emissions, and foster urban innovation.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Kitakyushu mayor Kazuhisa Takeuchi, chief minister A Revanth Reddy, GHMC mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, and others. Earlier, the Japanese delegation, led by Takeuchi, attended the Telangana state formation day celebrations at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad.

Speaking at the programme, Revanth said he studied the development model in Kitakyushu city during his recent Japan tour. “The eco-town model in the city inspired us, and the state govt signed agreements with many Japanese companies to develop an identical model in Hyderabad,” he said.

The CM expressed confidence that the cooperative agreement between Telangana and Kitakyushu city will create an ecosystem for inclusive economic growth, zero emissions, and urban innovation. He briefed the Takeuchi-led delegation about the state govt’s focus on the Musi rejuvenation project and the creation of assets to strengthen the state economy under the project.

The Takeuchi delegation was also informed about the new skill development programmes for the youth and the interest shown by students in learning the Japanese language to explore opportunities in Japan. The CM sought the cooperation of the delegation to teach Japanese language to Telangana students.

Later, Revanth said the state govt will try to improve air connectivity between Kitakyushu and Hyderabad, stating it will help in bolstering tourism, trade, and exchange programmes.