Tongan King

in casino talk

A CASINO is one of several de velopment proposals which Chinese American industrialist Dr S L Wong has recently discussed with Tonga’s King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV.

The King has issued further details of the Wong plan, which indicates it is re ceiving favourable treatment by the Ton gan Government.

Apart from the casino, the discussions covered a five-star hotel, catering service for outbound flights, several factories, golf course, air links direct to Asia and an internal helicopter service. The King’s subsequent statement said the hotel is to be built at Kai’avale, near Nakolo; the golf course will be built at Mahina Hope, ’Eua, and will have a clubhouse with overnight accommodation; The casino would need enabling legislation and the government paid up to Tss million in compensation, and that the helicopter service would run to ’Eua and other out er islands.

Wong, whose business interests include factories in 12 countries and a brewery, said many Chinese multi-millionaires were searching for secure places to in vest, with peace and stability. “1 find this to be just the kind of place for invest ment,” he said in a local interview. “It is a development treasure because it is a valuable place for tourism in the South Pacific.”

He said his discussions with the King included the possibility of attracting other investors to Tonga, and plans to bring Asian tourists to the kingdom.

Only foreign passport holders would be able to use the casino, a move that is aimed at avoiding jeopardising local cultural standards.

Wong is sending a study team to Ton ga in November. The plan includes a joint-venture arrangement with the Royal Family. Included in the factory proposals is seafood processing, with Wong financing a fleet of fishing boats.

Chinese contractors will be used to build the hotel and golf course, with the hotel to be at least partly open within 18 months. □