Manston- the gateway to China!
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by business editor Trevor Sturgess
An exhibition and conference centre
that will promote China could be built at Manston, it has been
reported.
According to Property Week.com,
Commercial Group Properties (CGP) has signed a memorandum of
understanding with the United Nations Industrial Development
Organisation to set up a joint venture.
Caption: Kent
International Airport would be near the development
It would build, fund and let the
centre at Manston Business Park, close to Kent International
Airport, as part of the so-called China Gateway project.
However, it remains unclear whether
non-Chinese organisations would be able to use the complex. Kent
officials have long talked about the need for a dedicated
exhibition and conference centre but various proposals have come to
nothing.
Under the latest plan,Chinese
organisations, provinces and cities would be able to use the
exhibition, conference, meeting and office facilities in the
centre, perhaps securing seats at the centre for specific periods
each year.
The report says the centre would
promote "Chinese business in all its myriad guises" to the UK and
the rest of the European Union, as well as promoting "cultural and
visionary entrepreneurial concepts," arts and culture, tourism, and
the benefits of investment into China.
CGP, which for some time has been promoting a centre for Chinese
businesses in Manston, would manage, promote, develop and maintain
the proposed complex, or possibly outsource those functions to a
subsidiary or other company.
Last year, Thanet council approved
controversial plans to turn 77 acres of Manston business park into
a warehouse and distribution centre.
CGP aimed to create a Chinese electronics
warehouse that could bring hundreds of jobs to the area, after
signing a deal with Chinamex, an investment company backed by the
Chinese Government. Opponents, claim the proposal would damage the
environment.
CGP was unavailable for
comment.
Tuesday, May 26 2009
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