New Delhi, March 10 (IANS): Aiming to take the government's smart cities initiative to the next level, over 1,500 global and national policymakers, financiers and technologists, along with over 25 city and state representatives, will come together at the 4th Smart Urbanation: Convention and Expo.

The summit, to be held here between March 15 and 17, is organised by ASAPP Info Global Group and the India China Economic and Cultural Council in partnership with the Smart Cities Council India, according to a statement.

"China is the country partner and having held several road shows in China and India, smart cities projects are attracting a lot of real interest, both from investors and technology companies in China," said Mohammed Saqib, Director General, India China Economic & Cultural Council.

By June 2017, some 510 smart city projects with a total investment of Rs 20,669 crore are expected to take off.

"Finally, projects are off the ground and city leaders are scouting for best procurement practices... in order to enhance best value for the cities and $200 billion is at stake already," said Pratap Padode, founder and Director, Smart Cities Council India.

A large contingent of Chinese companies with smart city solutions such as electronics, renewable energy, waste management and affordable housing will display technologies and explore Indian partnerships at the event.

"Chinese companies are very keen to participate in India's Smart Cities project and they have right technologies and solutions for it," said Li Baijun, Economic and Commercial counselor of Chinese Embassy.

"Hikvision, as a well-known smart city surveillance solution provider, would like to participate actively in the construction of Indian smart cities, to provide cutting-edge technologies and solutions, and contribute to the smart cities initiative," said Peisheng Du, CEO, Hikvision India.

The summit will see participation of city commissioners from over 25 cities, city CEOs, urban planning consultants, and international smart city experts from the US, China, Korea and CEOs from companies like Microsoft, IBM, Philips, Ola, Intel, Tata Projects, Schneider, Hikvision, Bechtel, Thomson Reuters, Mahindra Lifespaces, HCC, Alstom, among others.

Speakers will include Ajit Gulabchand, Chairman, HCC; Yudhwir Singh Malik, Chairman, NHAI; Aman Kumar Singh, Chairman, Naya Raipur Development Authority; Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman, Mumbai Port Trust; Ajay Mathur, Director General, TERI, among others.