'We started with a very good widespread business, high concentration of multinationals and professional management experience. That makes us one of the best multipurpose commercial complexes in the region,' says Tan Jee Long, director of China World Offices, China World Trade Centre (CWTC). 'We are open to companies of all trades and countries that are looking for a prime office building in Beijing.'

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the CWTC will be launching its phrase 3A Project - which showcases the 330-metre-high, 81-storey China World Tower, the tallest building in Beijing, with a floor area of 280,000 square metres - in the third quarter of this year.

The China World Tower includes international grade-A offices, the China World Mall and the China World Summit Wing hotel.

Prior to opening, the China World Tower has attracted premium rents with its ability to accommodate the demands of multinational corporations and local companies that are looking for premium office space in the capital.

'In a difficult market, such as what we've had in the past 18 months, China World Tower has continued to attract interest and commitment, and continued to hold its rentals,' says Nigel Smith, executive director of landlord project services in Asia at CB Richard Ellis, the sole marketing agent of the China World Tower.

CWTC also provides office space in its 38-storey twin office, China World Office 1 and China World Office 2, the six-storey West Wing office, and the two-storey East Wing Office.

The offices are interconnected with hotels, apartments, exhibition halls and shopping malls in the CWTC. 'Its location is very prime,' Tan says. 'The two 38-storey towers, and the latest addition of the 81-storey China World Tower, make the buildings a landmark in the heart of the Beijing [central business district].'

The team of management experts are seen as one of the more attractive features of the offices and helps retain tenants looking for all-round management services.

'CWTC has been able to create a reputation as the leader of managing mixed-used development in Beijing,' Smith says.

'The tenants of the China World Tower see the benefits of ultimate quality which gives them a feeling of presence and quality.'

Other than multinationals, including BNP Paribas (China) and ChevronTexaco China, an increasing number of local companies, such as the Bank of China and ICBC, are moving into the China World Tower.

The property management team makes sure they provide the best services in terms of health, safety and security. The variable air volume air-conditioning system includes ultraviolet air-purification technology which guarantees a healthy environment for tenants. The tower has received its fire safety certificate, while the turnstile access control system in the lobby prevents unwanted intrusions.

'From a property management point of view, these tick all the boxes,' Smith says. 'And you've got 20 years of experience in professional property management.

'The China World Tower is designed for performance and, ultimately, the benefit is the building's ability to help improve the productivity of companies, the building's image and profile, and the opportunity for companies to cluster around other like-minded companies.'

The interior design provides a luxurious and comfortable environment for tenants and visitors. The lobby is luxurious, resembling a five-star hotel reception area.

The tower incorporates column-free floors that maximise the use of space and ease of design for tenants, and extra ceiling height which brings more sunlight into the office.

Regarding environmental concerns, China World Tower, which was awarded the Gold Leadership Certification in Energy and Environmental Design by the United States Green Building Council, emphasises energy efficiency and waste management.

'When multinational companies choose their office, green features are very high in their priority and we do our best to meet these requirements of our tenants and minimise energy costs and pollution in our office buildings,' Tan says.

'It's not just a status symbol,' Smith says. 'It's a whole package of the location, the design, the specifications, the management, the ownership, the environment and so on. It is supported by the strong turnaround in the grade-A office market.'