Naidu wants China to take the silk route via Visakhapatnam

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu appealed to the Chinese Vice Minister for International Department of Communist Party of China (CPC) Chen Fengxiang to take up the proposed Silk Road initiative via Visakhapatnam.

Mr. Fengxiang along with his team arrived in Vijayawada on Monday morning to discuss aspects, including political affairs of Telugu Desam party. During the meeting, Mr. Naidu urged the Chinese delegation to consider Amaravati as the second best option for investments after Shanghai.

“Compared to Chennai and Kolkata, Andhra Pradesh with its vast coastline was geographically ideal for taking up port-based activities. Telugu Desam Party would continue its good relations with the Communist Party of China, which would eventually mutually aid in learning new aspects,” said Mr. Naidu.

Mr. Fengxiang said that the Chief Minister had given a detailed presentation on his grand vision for developing Amaravati. He praised Mr. Naidu and said that he had the calibre to face any challenge and resolve them with his commitment.

“After Mr. Naidu’s tour to China last April, the bilateral relations got strengthened and there would be scope for more Chinese companies to partner in developing Amaravati,” said Mr. Fengxiang.

After their meeting, the leaders headed for lunch and according to authorities, Mr. Fengxiang is likely to interact with Telugu Desam Party leaders, including those from Telangana. Later, he is likely to visit Amaravati and interact with few households.

Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Yenamala Ramakrishnudu held a meeting with the Chinese delegation and briefed them about Amaravati development plans. He appealed to the delegation that China Consulate should be established in Amaravati.

World renowned architects from different countries were being invited to take up constructions in Amaravati and a six-member architect team was being formed to monitor their work. Efforts were being made to construct the core capital region by 2018. The administration was being run from temporary buildings till the new capital was constructed, Mr. Ramakrishnudu said.

“Andhra Pradesh government was taking up Amaravati construction in a prestigious way and we request the Chinese government to extend its help and support,” said Mr. Ramakrishnudu.