UAE-based LuLu Group to setup an integrated project in Vizag

Vishakapatnam, Nov 12: The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said in Kochi on Saturday that the UAE-based LuLu Group will set up an integrated project, comprising a convention center, a shopping mall and a five-star hotel, in Visakhapatnam.

Interacting with the media at the LuLu Mall in Kochi, Mr. Naidu said the LuLu Group had been awarded the tender to develop the project in Visakhapatnam.

"We expect the LuLu Group will do better than its Kochi facility in Visakhapatnam," he said.

Asked about the proposed investment in the venture, the Chief Minister said the group would decide on it. "Visakhapatnam is a good place and a very creative city. LuLu Group has done so much for Kerala, helping in its exponential growth. This type of investment is needed everywhere," he said.

Stating that he had been requesting LuLu Group's managing director M.A. Yusuff Ali to set up in Andhra Pradesh a shopping mall and a convention centre similar to the one in Kochi, Mr. Naidu said: "I am totally convinced. They have provided one of the best shopping malls. With a 5,000-seating capacity, the convention centre is a truly world-class facility."

Mr. Naidu met Mr. Ali during his recent visit to the UAE and discussed the way forward on the group's proposal in Visakhapatnam's Harbour Park area.

Mr. Ali reportedly expressed his keenness to launch work on the mega project by February-March 2018.

The LuLu Group is reportedly contemplating investing about Rs. 700 crore in what will look like a HITEX (Hyderabad International Trade Expositions) spread over 15 acres.

It is going to be a big leap forward in the promotion of Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism through the PPP route.