KUWAIT, March 6 (KUNA) -- First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah affirmed on Wednesday that planned construction of border towns "is currently the preoccupation and focal task" of the government and the Supreme Planning Council.
Sheikh Nasser is speaking during a follow-up session of the National Assembly, during which the MPs are debating housing affairs namely the blueprint to erect a new central and integrated city.
"We are currently working on establishing border towns and we have discussed with Iraq establishment of a free zone between Kuwait and Iraq," Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad said.
Kuwait's planned Al-Harir (Silk) City will be built in a border region neighboring great and importance states, Iran and Iraq, he said.
Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad indicated that the plan to develop Al-Harir City has been merged into the scheme to develop the five islands as well as the free trade zone.
Investment in Al-Harir City will be on equal and justice basis, Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad said adding that latest negotiations with the Chinese centered on managing Mubarak port.
Up to USD 400-650 billion will be lured for the investment in the new city in the coming 25 years, he foresaw. (end) jy.rk