Bhubaneswar: Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will visit Odisha during his India tour in Jan, Singapore High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, announced Tuesday during his meeting with chief minister Mohan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan here.
In a significant development, Singapore has also agreed to be the first country partner for the Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha (MIO) Conclave-2025, the state's flagship biennial investors' meet scheduled to be held from Jan 28 to 29.
The visit comes as Singapore and India celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations. "Odisha is the only state the president chose to visit during his India tour, recognising the huge opportunity for strengthening business partnership along with existing cultural ties," Wong said. He highlighted the state's potential in petrochemicals, green energy, and skills development.
Majhi, who recently visited Singapore, welcomed the development, saying, "There is tremendous potential for collaboration between Singapore and Odisha."
He emphasised that the relationship is ready to advance to the next level in various sectors, including petrochemicals, urban planning, tourism, renewable energy and skill development.
The discussions focused on strengthening partnerships in key areas such as petrochemical complex development, industrial park planning, new energy initiatives, information technology, skill development, and tourism and cultural exchange.
Singapore remains one of India's largest sources of FDI, with strong bilateral ties in trade, defence, technology, and cultural exchange. Both nations share common values of democracy, innovation, and sustainable development.
The upcoming presidential visit is expected to further strengthen the economic and cultural ties between Singapore and Odisha, opening new avenues for mutual growth and cooperation, govt officials said.