A Chinese delegation led by Vice Minister of the International Department of Communist Party of China Chen Fengxiang on Monday visited visited Andhra Pradesh's upcoming capital Amaravati near Vijayawda.
They visited Uddandarayunipalem where foundation stone for the new capital was laid on October 22. Officials explained to the delegation the plans for the capital's development.
Later, the delegation stopped at a household in the village. Fengxiang interacted with the villagers through a translator. He applauded the villagers who have come forward to give their lands voluntarily for the capital construction.
The delegation also visited the archaeological museum and Gnana Buddha stupa in Amaravati. The museum at Amaravati is a home to many relics that dates back to thousands of years, found during excavations.
The delegation visited an urban household in Vijayawada and enquired about their their socioeconomic status.
Earlier, Fengxiang met Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Vijayawada.
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Stating that Andhra Pradesh is poised as the gateway of Southeast Asia, Naidu suggested him to make China's silk route pass through the state at Visakhapatnam.
He explained that the state was centrally located and houses deep water ports, which offer an added advantage for maritime silk route.
"Make Amaravati your second home after Shanghai," the chief minister told the Chinese delegation.
Recalling his visits to other capital cities around the world, Fengxiang expressed confidence that Amarvati will surpass other capital cities.
Naidu sought investments and expertise of the Chinese companies in building a world-class capital and urged them to be a part of the opportunity.
Outlining his plans of developing Amaravati as a smart city, the chief minister explained that the capital will be blue and green capital city, with a river waterfront stretched for about 40 km.