Chairman of the Tender Committee for the Casino-operator Concession Francis Tam Friday (28 Dec.) announced the disqualification of three tenders, leaving 18 tenders to enter the consultative process.

Mr. Tam, the chairman and the Secretary for Economy and Finance, stated that the three tenders were disqualified because the included documents did not meet the requirements.

The three disqualified tenders are from: Art Concept International Gaming Resort Company Limited/; Kao U-Investment Limited and CM Development Limited.

Mr. Tam said that the disqualified bidders might submit dissenting proclamation to the Tender Committee with 3 days, adding that further proclamation could be submitted to the Chief Executive, should the committee decided that there is not sufficient for the dissent.

Meanwhile, Mr. Tam emphasized that in accordance with the gaming legislation the disqualified company was forbidden to merge with the accepted company, and shareholder of which was prohibited to participate in any other company.

Mr. Tam said that the four-day consultative process would be commenced next week, 18 qualified bidders would be invited to present their investing plans.