A US delegation led by Ms. Leocadia I. Zak, Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) called on Union Minister for Urban Development Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu here today. The discussion was centred on the three Smart Cities, i.e., Visakhapatnam, Ajmer and Allahabad with which MoUs has been signed between the respective State Governments and USTDA. M. Venkaiah Naidu informed that the Reverse Trade Mission (strategically planned visits of foreign decision-makers to the United States to observe the design, manufacture and operation of U.S. products and services that can help them achieve their development goals) for Ajmer and Allahabad and the training of Mayors and CEOs of Smart Cities in the USA has to be finalised.
The Minister said that the Government has adopted a proactive approach to move forward on the Smart Cities Mission. He said that the process of Smart City challenge is very scientific, transparent and participative and has become a role model for other schemes. Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said that resources must not be a constraint for the Smart Cities Mission, but emphasised upon the participation of people in the development of the Smart Cities. He said that, in Indore, approximately 6.5 lakh people have given suggestions for the improvement of the city.