Talks focus on metro deal in Tianjin

Tianjin officials will meet MTRC management this week to speed up talks over its possible involvement in the city's 30 billion yuan mass transit railway construction.

The negotiations could pave the way for the MTRC's second foray into the mainland following its 6 billion yuan deal announced last month to build a subway in Shenzhen.

The metro project is part of Tianjin's plan to transform itself into an advanced metropolis to host processing industries. Three rail lines totalling 77km are to be built. Each will have between 22 and 25 stations and accompanying property developments.

'We want to speed things up by meeting with its [MTRC] top management,' said Vice-Mayor Chen Zhifeng, who yesterday led a trade delegation to Hong Kong.