US Consul General Joel Reifman led American delegation On Tuesday (5 January) called on Andhra Pradesh (AP) Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and said that the US government is keen on setting up a Hub in Visakhapatnam, reports LiveMint.

The delegation informed the Chief Minister that they are satisfied with the facilities available in Visakhapatnam. If an American hub is established in the coastal city, it will be the first in South India. So far, only Gujarat's Ahmedabad is the only city in the country to have an American hub.

Reifman appreciated the village and ward secretariat system in Andhra, which helps in effective governance through delivery of government schemes at every doorstep.

Chief Minister Jagan mohan Reddy requested the Consul General to set up an incubator centre in Visakhapatnam and asked for US cooperation in developing it as a smart city.

"The Consul General should take the initiative to further enhance mutual cooperation between the US and Andhra Pradesh and they would also work together in that direction," Jagan was quoted as saying.

“There will be great economic development with the construction of ports and the government is laying special attention on manufacturing electronic goods. The Consul General should take the initiative to invest in the state and the government will provide full assistance,” the Chief Minister added.