Shanghai Pudong Software Park Co doubled the initial investment in the third phase of expansion to attract more big firms.

The third phase occupies 520,000 square meters and has cost 2.1 billion yuan (US$262.5 million) compared with an initial budget of 1 billion yuan.

Construction of the expanded park is expected to finish in 2008.

The third phase includes a central service zone, four software industry parks.

The modern park will impress foreign visitors when the 2008 Olympic Games are held in Beijing and the World Expo 2010 opens in Shanghai.

SAP AG, Europe's biggest enterprise software vendor, opened a new research center in the third phase in March. It plans to hire 1,800 people to work at the center.

The SAP research center already has 450 employees to serve clients in Asia Pacific as well as Europe and the United States.

AIA, a US-based insurance firm, also plans to move its China client data base center to the park.

EBay, the world's most popular online auction Website, plans to invest US$200 million to set up shop in the park and hire 3,000 to 5,000 people, the park operator told Shanghai Daily without mentioning a timetable.

Sony, InfoSys and Tata have already set up offices or facilities in the park.

Source:佚名