Osaka Governor Ichiro Matsui has revealed that the city will begin the process of evaluating the bids of IR operator candidates in early 2019.
Matsui and Osaka Mayor Hirofumi Yoshimura met with a team from Las Vegas Sands (LVS), led by President and Chief Operating Officer Rob Goldstein, on Wednesday with the US casino giant becoming the latest to pitch its plans to construct an integrated resort. Osaka is considered a leading contender city to win one of three IR licenses to be issued by the national government.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Matsui stated, “We will shortlist candidates by starting to assess their plans and willingness to invest early next year.” He added that Osaka wants to develop a “synergy” between the IR and World Expo facilities on its Yumeshima Island site after the city recently won its bid to host the World Expo in 2025.
Matsui’s comments regarding each company’s “willingness to invest” will please LVS – one of a handful of companies to declare it would potentially spend more than US$10 billion to develop a Japanese IR. In Osaka, any such investment would also require a JPY20 billion (US$176 million) contribution to extend the metro train line from the city to Yumeshima Island.
According to local news outlet The Mainichi, Goldstein reiterated LVS’ intention to do what it takes to build a world class IR in Japan.
RelatedPosts
