Intl convention centre to be opened on July 2

Thrissur, June 20 (UNI) Lulu International Convention Centre, claimed to be the second largest in India, will be inaugurated here on July two by Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanadan.

Addressing a press conference here today, its promoter and chairman of Emke Group, M A Yusuffali, said it was his dream to start something of international standard in his home district.

The group runs a chain of hypermarkets, supermarkets and department stores in the Gulf countries.

''Keeping in mind the increased commercial and business actvities taking place in Kerala, we see great potential for this convention centre in the cultural capital of the state,'' he said.

Spread across an area of more than 18 acres on the Thrissur-Guruvayur road and with a built-up area of 1,60,000 sq ft, the convention centre has a total capacity of 4,000 plus seats divided into both indoor hall and open air auditorium with dining facility for 2,000 guests at a time.

Apart from this, there will be three more halls with a total capacity for 750 guests and a 50-room hotel with restaurants. The total cost of the project was Rs 40 crore.

''Our group concerns spread across the Middle East, Asia and Africa employing 15,000 people from 27 nations, including 9,400 Keralites,'' Mr Yusaffali said.

Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly Oommen Chandy will preside over the inaugural function.

UNI XR PMM ROY 1730