THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, 26 February 2007 — A deal between the Kerala government and Dubai Internet City (DIC) on the Rs.15 billion ($340 million) Smart City project at Kochi is on the cards despite minor differences between the two sides, Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan said yesterday.
“The discussions on clinching the deal will continue Monday. Though small differences are still there we expect to make an announcement in this regard before the assembly session beginning March 3,” Achuthanandan said after meeting government officials and a two-member DIC team at his official residence here.
Earlier in the day, Chief Secretary Lissy Jacob said there were some more issues to be resolved and another round of discussion was likely to take place today.
“Talks have gone forward and we have been able to find solutions to certain issues that cropped up during the last round of talks Feb 7. And, as you know, these things can go forward as per government procedure, consensus has to take place on a few more issues,” said Jacob.
