Qatar project ‘will be done in record time’

TOP OFFICIALS met yesterday in a bid to cut the red tape and expedite procedures for the implementation of the deal between Qatar and Cyprus to build an ambitious commercial complex in Nicosia.

Present in the meeting were the ministers of finance, interior and trade as well as high-ranking officials from the town-planning and land registry departments.

Also present was Attorney-general Petros Clerides.

It is understood that the officials discussed the details of a bill regarding the agreement expected to be submitted before parliament today.

“We are determined not to let bureaucracy delay the project. It will be done in record time,” Trade and Industry Minister Antonis Paschalides told reporters.

Commenting on the presence of the technocrats at the meeting, the minister said instead of writing to them and wasting time “we brought them here to give the answers now.”

Last week, Cyprus and Qatar signed a multi-million euro deal to develop a hotel, residential and commercial complex on 25,000 square metres of prime location, aiming at attracting overseas business to Cyprus.

Qatar and Cyprus will set up a 50:50 joint venture that will develop the 220-room, five-star hotel and the rest of the complex.

Parliament must approve the agreement before it comes into force.

The hotel is expected to be completed 30 months after the joint venture is set up.

Lawmakers have welcomed the deal but reserved the right to comment when they are informed of the details.

Trade and Industry Minister Antonis Paschalides assured that MPs will be fully informed about the particulars of the deal.

The minister could not give an exact time for commencement of the work but he said it will be a few months.

The project will be located in land currently occupied by an army camp, next to a school.

The Archbishop suggested the state to also throw the school into the deal but Paschalides yesterday politely turned down the proposal.

“With all due respect to the archbishop, I think when we need advice there are technical advisers and we will ask them.”

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