Terengganu State Economic Development Corporation (PMINT) has been urged to play an important role in the state government's effort to create a duty-free area at Tasik Kenyir, Hulu Terengganu.

Menteri Besar Ahmad Said expressed hope that PMINT which has the expertise in various fields such as property development, tourism and agriculture could help develop the lake area which has 340 islands.

NONE "We believe PMINT can help speed up development in the area by building hotels and shoplots," he told reporters after officiating at PMINT's dinner function and presentation of Excellent Service Awards to the corporation's staff in Kuala Terengganu last night.

Ahmad, who is also the chairperson of PMINT's board of directors, said the time frame to develop the duty-free area was rather short, at 18 months to two years.

"It is up to PMINT to develop the area by building hotels or shoplots on its own or on a joint-venture basis with investors from outside the state," he added.

- Bernama