AP ministers study Singapore’s industrial planning model

Vijayawada: The delegation of AP cabinet ministers, which joined a week-long governance training session in Singapore, visited the Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) Corporation, a key govt agency responsible for developing industrial infrastructure in Singapore. The officials from JTC explained how the corporation has played a pivotal role in building advanced industrial zones, promoting smart estates powered by cutting-edge technology, and implementing environmentally sustainable green projects.The delegation was briefed on landmark projects developed by JTC, including Jurong Island, one-north, Changi Business Park and Punggol Digital District. These projects reflect Singapore's integrated approach to industrial planning, combining innovation, sustainability and efficient land use. The ministers studied how such models could be adapted to develop industrial corridors, smart estates and eco-friendly projects in Andhra Pradesh.The delegation, comprising ministers Narayana, B C Janardhan Reddy, Atchannaidu, Vangalapudi Anitha, Satya Kumar Yadav and Anagani Satya Prasad, also participated in a roundtable conference and networking session with representatives of the Singapore Business Federation, or SBF. The interaction brought together leading Singapore-based entrepreneurs and industry leaders for direct discussions on investment opportunities.Strengthening trade tiesDuring the SBF networking event, the ministers held detailed talks with key officials including Samantha Teo, Amarpreet Singh and Prasoon Mukherjee. Discussions focused on strengthening trade and investment ties between Andhra Pradesh and Singapore, identifying new sectors for collaboration and facilitating business partnerships.The ministers highlighted the state's investor-friendly ecosystem under chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, emphasising policy reforms, industrial incentives and improved "speed of doing business." They underlined the govt's commitment to sustainable governance and its proactive approach in attracting global investments.Earlier, the delegation gained insights into next-generation port operations at the Port of Singapore Authority, governance frameworks and long-term urban planning strategies. From automation-driven port ecosystems to data-based governance and futuristic urban models, the visit offered a comprehensive learning experience.In governance, the interaction with Singapore home minister K Shanmugam provided a detailed understanding of "Nation First Governance," with a strong emphasis on political accountability and coordinated functioning of departments. The ministers observed that aligning administrative machinery with clear outcomes and accountability frameworks plays a crucial role in efficient service delivery. The visit to the Singapore City Gallery offered a structured perspective on long-term urban transformation. The ministers studied how integrated planning, strict land-use policies and futuristic vision helped Singapore evolve into a global city within a short span. Minister Narayana observed that the Singapore tour is shaping into a roadmap for Andhra Pradesh to strengthen industrial infrastructure, modernise governance systems and accelerate technology-driven, sustainable development.