PM: Belgrade on Water not just pipe dream

PM: Belgrade on Water not just pipe dream

BELGRADE -- Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić says "the outer part of the Belgrade Tower" - a central part of Belgrade on Water - will be completed before the end of 2016.

At the presentation of the master plan and a model of the project in Belgrade on Friday, he added that "everything that has been happening these days is evidence that it (the project) will not remain a pipe dream but will actually happen."

Vučić said the first phase of works would begin next February and that four structures would be built, two apartment buildings and two hotels, as well as "the largest shopping mall in the Balkans." According to him, the Belgrade Tower will also be built as the project's "most important structure."

According to reports, Vučić added that he withdrew before his critics when they talked about "the renovation of the General Staff and the famous oak tree," but vowed "not to withdraw in front of something so pure and big as Belgrade on Water."

He also revealed that "extensive and invisible work" was under way to harmonize "all the plans."

Eagle Hills owner Mohamed Al Abbar said that the project was something that "completely changes the quality of life in Serbia, which changes the economics and prospects of the country."

He thanked the government and the Serbian people for their trust, and said that such projects were "proof that anything is possible."

The UAE businessman who is investing in the project stressed the importance of tourism and business and added that "the intention of this project is to create a regional center, which will have no competition."

Alabbar noted that the total investment will reach some EUR 3...