Italy Keen on Partnering with India for its Smart City Initiative

Italy may partner with India for 100 smart cities over the next 20 years with an investment of over $1.2 trillion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the development of 100 smart cities across India in 2015.(Photo: iStockphoto)

Claiming to have the largest number of smart cities in Europe, Italy is keen to partner with India in its own initiative for 100 of them over the next 20 years with an investment requirement of over $1.2 trillion, a senior diplomat said.

Italy can be a strong partner for smart cities in terms of design and technology. We are very attentive and focussed on India’s smart cities. We offer a strong partnership for India for its smart cities. Italian companies can majorly contribute in terms of design and technology for the smart cities.

<b>Francesco Pensabene, Italian Trade Commissioner and Director</b>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the development of 100 smart cities across India in 2015, with proposed initial allocation of Rs 48,000 crore over five years. The first batch of 20 smart cities are expected to be launched by 25 June this year.

A number of countries, including Japan, the United States, Canada, Germany and France, have already entered into various partnerships for the development of India’s mission.

Italy now is looking at partnering for the smart cities to boost its exports to India, that stood at $3.6 billion in calendar year 2015, growing by 10.4 percent when compared to 2014.