Speeches

1. Shri. V.S. Achuthanandan

Distinguished Guests and friends,

Let me first of all welcome each one of you, especially our distinguished guests from abroad, to this historic ceremony. This is a happy occasion for me, and I am sure it should be so for all of you assembled here, because it marks the successful and highly satisfying conclusion of the long drawn out negotiations on the SMART CITY project. The SMART CITY project, which is being launched today, will usher in a new era of mutually beneficial economic relations between the people of India, especially of Kerala on the one hand and the people of the Middle East on the other. This agreement will further strengthen the warm relationship that the two regions have been nurturing over centuries.

Obviously, the negotiations were not smooth at all points of time. It took almost a year to reach here, and in between the negotiating process witnessed many ups and downs. But, as all of you will agree, what is important is the result. It should be emphasized that the final agreement, which is scheduled to be signed today, is eminently acceptable and advantageous to both the parties. I am sure that it would accelerate the process of IT development in the state besides augmenting inflow of investment into the state. While constructing building, I request TECOM to ensure, that SMART CITY remains an echo friendly place.

Now it is the responsibility of all concerned to do everything needed to to do realize the dream of SMART CITY. Let me make this opportunity to declare that my government will extend all required support to the project. Let me also thank all those who helped the government in finalizing this agreement.

2. Shri. Ahmad Bin Byat
“The agreement we have reached is a win-win situation for both of us and the Government of Kerala. It is a milestone deal filled with great promise. Partnering with the Government of Kerala and the Industry, we will develop Smart City Kochi into a new hub for excellence in knowledge-based industries’.

“We look forward to working with all stakeholders to complete a successful project. We require the constant support and commitment of the government at every stage. We are confident that the rapport we have established with them will enable us to work closely at each step”, he added.

“Smart City Kochi will be a place for some of the best companies from India and cross the world to explore partnerships, collaborate and cross-fertilise ideas. Of special focus for us will be the IT- enabled services sector, which has seen a huge boom in India. We seek to create a platform to contribute to this sector’s climb up the value chain.”

3. Shri. Farhan Faaraidooni

“Considering the promise that Kerala’s IT sector shows and the overall growth in Indian knowledge-based industries, the project has considerable potential. The complementary fit of TECOM Investments and Sama Dubai along with the expertise of our local partners will ensure the creation if a world class project that meets the highest global benchmarks of quality and technology.”