China expo plan irks Mexicans

China’s plan to open a 1,370 acre, permanent expo site displaying Chinese-made products near Cancun has attracted criticism from Mexicans who consider it a threat to domestic interests, The Wall Street Journal reported. Dragon Mart, a US$180 million project, will include 722 homes for the Chinese owners of more than 3,000 display units slated to promote a wide range of products. The center would also host Chinese cultural events. The project, a joint venture between Mexican investors and a subsidiary of Chinamex, an arm of China’s Ministry of Commerce, intends to improve trade and cultural relations between the two countries. The center’s large size and location close to a protected reef has generated criticism from hotel owners and environmentalists. Also, domestic industrialists are concerned that it will lead to a huge increase in Chinese products and provide few benefits for local workers. Cancun’s mayor has pledged to reject applications for building permits.