E-Land Group to build logistics complex, training institute in Shanghai

SEOUL, Feb. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korean retail giant E-Land Group said Sunday it has started construction of an integrated logistics center and training institute in Shanghai to expand its regional presence in Asia.

The conglomerate, whose business ranges from fashion apparel and restaurants to hotels, said a ceremony marking the start of construction was held late last week.

It said the 200 billion won (US$182.5 million) project is the largest ever logistics center approved by local authorities to a foreign company in the metropolitan area. E-Land said the four buildings that make up the complex will be built in stages by 2018.

The business group said that the latest project marks the second phase of its logistics endeavor in the Chinese city.

"Once built, the center will have four times the space of the first phase logistics facility that was completed in 2011," the group said.

The second center will have a floor space of 440,000 square meters, or roughly the size of 60 football pitches.

E-Land said the center will be key to its plan to provide products to Taiwan, Hong Kong and other regions in China. Products from the center can also be shipped to other Asian economies.

In regards to the training institute, the retailer said it can be used to educate some 30,000 Chinese employees, as well as those from Southeast Asia. The institute can also be used as a technical support center for the group, it said.

yonngong@yna.co.kr
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