MTR Corporation Limited (MTR), a Hong Kong-based company, says it will open the Ginza Mall in Beijing's Dongzhimen in the fourth quarter of this year.

It is a prelude for the firm to introduce its advanced management experience of business facilities along metro lines to mainland cities.

The Ginza Mall will replace the original building at the site, known as Oriental Kenzo Mall. The area is now being renovated and is expected to become a unique shopping destination for 'top' shoppers.

The mall is located next to the airport expressway, which should be open in time for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

The shopping centre is being transformed by Metro Hong Kong (Beijing) Facility Management Co, a subsidiary of MTR, which has used its experience in Hong Kong to develop the Ginza Mall.

"Our depth of experience in developing real estate, residential and business facilities along Hong Kong's metro lines has played a central role in the development of Ginza Mall," said Kuang Yijun, a senior official with Metro Hong Kong (Beijing) Business Facility Management Company.

She said Dongzhimen is a transport hub in Beijing, which will enable the company to deliver a first-class shopping experience in terms of location and trend-setting internal design and management.

Sharon Cheung, senior business manager of Metro Hong Kong (Beijing) Business Facility Management Co Ltd, said the firm is in close contact with other shopping mall management projects in Tianjin and Shanghai but she declined to reveal details.

"We see huge potential in the management of commercial facilities in mainland cities. We will carry out more projects very soon," Cheung said.

MTR is already building or operating metro lines in mainland cities; line four in Beijing, line four in Shenzhen and line nine in Shanghai. It aims to develop both its strengths in the mainland -- operating metro lines and developing commercial facilities along metro lines, Cheung said.

The shopping complex in Beijing will cover five floors when completed, with a total floor space of 31,000 square metres. It will have top-notch fashion brands and delicacy kiosks.

Ginzo Mall will introduce some brands from Hong Kong which have never been seen before on the mainland, providing shoppers with more choice.

The MTR Corporation was established in 1975 to construct and operate mass transit railway systems.

The company is also active in the development of key residential and commercial property, above existing stations and along new line extensions, as well as many other commercial activities associated with railways including the rental of retail and advertising space, ATM banking facilities and personal telecommunication services.

(China Daily 05/23/2006 page11)