"Singapore proved how a state can move ahead despite difficult conditions; even water is not available in Singapore and they have to import every item from other places. Such a country stands on par with America in economic growth," Rao, who visited Singapore last week, told a group of ministers, MLAs and others on his return.
Crediting Singapore's first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew for the rapid economic progress made by the city-state, the Chief Minister said he would like get a book written by the former into Telugu.
Noting that he has studied the progress achieved by Singapore in all spheres, Rao said the knowledge would help in "reconstruction" of the newly-created state.