Lebanese authorities have published on July 5 an international tender for the design, construction and management of the Tripoli based Rachid Karami International Exhibition Center. Bids are to be submitted to later that October 6, 2001.
The $150-200 million tender aims to convert the existing fairs complex into a tourist attraction. Changes would include converting the main exhibition halls to an integrated tourist city, reported Al-Hayat daily.
The Design, Build, Operate and Turnover (DBOT) contract will involve the renovation of existing facilities, the development of a theme park of international standards, the construction of 200-300 rooms five star hotel and a Max Theater. The estimated date for completion is about 3.5 years from date of award.
Rachid Karami International Fair Complex is located at the western edge of Tripoli, the capital of the northern region and the second largest city in Lebanon.
Tripoli is only 80 km from the Capital Beirut and its international airport. The Koulaiat airport, which is under rehabilitation and will be soon put to service, is 20 km away while the harbor is only 2 km to the west and can accommodate commercial and passenger shipping. — (MENA Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
