The area is also expected to continue the work of the Shenyang Huishan Agricultural Development Zone by emphasising agriculture.

A source at the Shenyang statistics Bureau said Huishan is already home to several major grain-processing and feed centres for the dairy industry.

Leading dairy companies like Meng Niu and the Yili Dairy Group operate plants there.

Shenbei government documents show that the nation's top grain processor, China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Import and Export Corp, is planning to invest 1.7 billion yuan (US$212.5 million) in a large-scale corn-processing plant there.

"This area enjoys rich grain resources, good transportation and complete infrastructure. I could think of no better place to do business," said Dang Zhentai, a manager of the Wanshunda Group, which recently set up its own 1.2 billion-yuan (US$150-million) corn-processing plant.

In addition, more than 300 international companies, including Coco Cola, Pepsi and Uni-President, have set up processing plants in the area.

About 30 of the world's top 500 enterprises have opened branches in the area and have invested in more than 50 projects.

(China Daily 11/24/2006 page3)

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