KOCHI: Dubai Holding, promoters of SmartCity-Kochi, launched SmartCity-South Korea at a function held here on Thursday. It is the third SmartCity project outside the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after Kochi and Malta.
The project was launched in the presence of UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Dubai Holding future chairman H E Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi; and Incheon Metropolitan City Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok. At the function, representatives from Dubai and South Korea signed a formal agreement with regard to the SmartCity project. The 51-sqft SmartCity-Korea will be strategically located between the two metropolitan cities of Seoul and Incheon.
Addressing the gathering through a recorded video message, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Kerala was glad to be a part of the efficient and rapidly developing global network of SmartCity. “It is known to everyone that the existing SmartCity projects in Kochi and Malta have achieved remarkable success, thanks to the joint efforts of the respective governments of Dubai and the host states. Today, India is the fastest growing economy, with knowledge economy playing an impressive and decisive role. Hence, the contribution of SmartCity is invaluable, especially to the state of Kerala,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi said, “through the SmartCities, the respective governments provide the people a balanced and comprehensive environment in all areas of life - including social, professional, economic and environmental.”
SmartCity-Korea is the result of collaborative efforts by the governments of Dubai and South Korea and regional investors.