SmartCity invites Kerala CM to Dubai

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Within hours of Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan stating that the Dubai-based promoters of the SmartCity Kochi was in a "pathetic" condition, the Dubai company has extended an invitation to the CM to visit its business operations there.

In an official statement, SmartCity Kochi CEO Fareed Abdulrahman said his company was "fully committed" to the Kochi project. "Despite the delays beyond our control, we would like to reaffirm our intention to complete this project successfully for the benefit of the people and economy of Kerala. To that end, we have the full support, financially, operationally and otherwise, from our parent company, Tecom Investments", he said.

Mr Abdulrahman said that he wished to highlight his company's commitment towards its legal obligations as outlined in the framework agreement of the project, adding that all parties should be diligent and uncompromising with regard to the agreement. "Therefore, comments that may question our commitment or our legal obligations towards this very important project are misplaced and could impair our shared vision", he said.

The statement said that the company had extended an invitation to the CM "to visit our business operations in Dubai", in addition to highlighting the company's portfolio of business parks.

"Looking ahead, we seek better understanding and cooperation from our counterparts and partners. We would also like to reassure the people of Kerala that SmartCity Kochi is very much a priority for us and we will exert every effort to guarantee its successful fruition", Mr Abdulrahman said.