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The
Straits Times, 4 Dec 04
Consultants hired to help with resort
plan
By Glenys Sim
PwC to assist Govt with casino, resort proposals and give advice
SINGAPORE has taken another step towards having a casino resort by
hiring consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to assist it in
getting proposals from gaming and resort operators for the scheme.
The move indicates that the Government is now dealing with the finer
details of a mega tourist resort, though it has yet to decide on the
controversial project. The Straits Times understands that the consultants
will help the Government on issues such as market potential, tax structure
and possible regulatory regimes for the integrated tourist resort.
Replying to queries from The Straits Times, the Ministry of Trade
and Industry (MTI) revealed that it has been 'consulting widely with
various industry experts and international consultants' on the matter.
A ministry spokesman added: 'We'll be requesting potential investors
to submit their concept proposals in a few weeks' time. These concepts
will help us refine various parameters before we launch the formal
request for proposals.'
When contacted, PwC said it was unable to comment on the matter.
The issue of having a casino in Singapore has been debated hotly since
the idea was first mooted in Parliament in March. A fortnight ago,
Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Vivian Balakrishnan
called for the debate to move beyond 'money versus values', to whether
Singaporeans are able to act responsibly.
Casino operators have said that they need information on Singapore's
proposed regulatory and tax structures for such a venture, as well
as knowledge on where the resort will be sited, before they can draft
proposals.
So far, Sentosa and Marina South have been mentioned as possible locations.
Many casino operators have stated a preference for the latter because
it is more accessible.
Meanwhile, lobbying by both the pro- and anti-casino camps continues,
with religious and other conservative groups citing social and other
ills that will follow a casino; and proponents arguing that people
should be free to choose how they want to spend their money.
However, the Government is keeping close to its chest its final decision
about which way it will go. The MTI spokesman said: 'A decision on
the integrated resort project will be made only after studying the
proposals and carefully evaluating the various economic, social and
security issues.'
Those who wish to know more about the project or give their views
can visit www.feedback.gov.sg |
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