Union Minister for Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri Venkaiah Naidu who is currently at Seoul to attend the 5th Plenary Session of Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference of Housing and Urban Development held bilateral meetings with the Ministers of Sri Lanka, Iran, Iraq, Maldives, Bangladesh as well as Under Secretary General & Executive Director of UN-Habitat today.
In his discussion with Mr. Abbas Akhoundi, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran Shri Naidut was requested by Iranian side to set up a task force for upgrading the slums in both the countries to help both the countries exchange of experience and transfer of technology. It was also decided to consider to hold a workshop for Iranian officials for slum redevelopment, smart cities, etc.
In the meeting with Mr.Wimal Weerawansa, Minister for Construction Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities of Sri Lanka Shri Venkaiah Naidu raised the issue of detention of Indian fishermen in international waters and recent death penalty to fishermen. He emphasized that he is neither complaining nor interfering in the internal issues of Sri Lanka but is conveying sensitivities of Indian Public.
During the meeting with Mr Mosharaf Hossain, Minister of Housing & Public Works, Bangladesh the Bangladesh Minister floated the idea of raising the fund from Asia Pacific countries for slum development in undeveloped countries. Shri Naidu appreciated the idea in principle, however, he said that it need to be discussed internally first. He also pointed out that multilateral agencies like World Bank, ADB, BRIC Bank etc. should provide cheaper credit for such causes.
Dr. Joan Clos, Executive Director & Under Secretary General, UN-Habitat in his meeting with the Minister raised the need of addressing the urbanization issues. He enquired about hosting of Habitat III and next APMCHUD Conference by India. The Minister indicated his willingness to host the next APMCHUD Conference in India in 2016.
In his discussion with Mr. Mohamed Muizzu, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure of Maldives Shri Naidu raised the issue of cancelling the contract of GMR for Male Airport and conveyed the feeling of disappointment in India.
During his meeting with Mr. Istabraq Al Shouk, Senior Deputy Minister (Vice Minister), Ministry of Construction & Housing and Mr. Sami Meiti Polous, Dy. Minister (Planning), Islamic Republic of Iraq the Minister enquired about the present situation in Iraq. Iraqi Ministers told that the situation is under control.
