Plans are in the works to build the largest software service centre in Northeast Asia in Dalian, a major port city in Northeast China's Liaoning Province.

"We have chosen one of the best areas in the city for software development," said Mayor Xia Deren speaking at an examination and appraisal meeting of the concept planning committee of the Dalian Lushun Southroad software industrial belt.

As part of the second phase of the Dalian Software Park, the city invited six famous design and planning firms from around the world to develop a master plan for the belt.

"The software industry needs lots of professionals. We have always considered creating an ideal environment for their work and living accommodations," said Xia.

For the 10-square-kilometre space, located among hills and beautiful scenery, the planning stage is challenging, said Klaus Kohlstrung of the German-based Obermeyer Consulting Engineers, which presented a prize-winning plan.

"After a thorough analysis of the area, we fell deeply in love with the great and beautiful software project," said Kohlstrung.

Obermeyer's plan featured an environmentally friendly eco-concept that includes software research and development, production, neighborhood and leisure.

Another prize-winning plan by the US-based Gensler Consulting and Architects is also human friendly and gives full consideration to nature and access to the belt.

"We will invite the world's top designers for detailed planning of the belt," said Sun Yinghuan, president of the Dalian Software Park.

The park offered 10 million yuan (US$1.2 million) for concept development.

Approved by the National Development and Reform Commission, the Dalian Software Park will become one of the five software export hubs in the country and is expected to have an export value of US$ 500 million by 2008, including US$ 450 million in exports to Japan, said Qu Xiaofei, a director with the Municipal Development Planning Commission.

With an investment of more than 100 million, the base will be a platform for software development, training and information services, said Qu.

Dalian Software Park is China's largest software provider to Japan. It has attracted 16 of the world's top 500 giants including GE, IBM, Panasonic, Nokia and Accenture, said Sun Yinghuan, chairman of the park.

Sun said more than 300 software firms will settle into the park after the second-phase project is completed.

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