Belgian group Alinso and Romanian businessman Petrica Usurelu, Piritex owner, an industrial park near Ploiesti (South-central Romania). The investment is estimated at 750 million euros. The park will stretch over 220 hectares and aims to create around 16,000 jobs.

Ploiesti West Park will be made up of two parts: a business park meant for logistics and light production, and restaurants, hotels, offices, a research park and a retail area. The first construction of the logistics park started at the end of June and will be completed at the end of October.

Petrica Usurelu said that most of the buildings will be rented, estimating 55 euros per sqm. But some of the spaces will be sold. He added that the developer is currently negotiating with over 30 companies interested to rent space in the future industrial park. Alinso Group executive director Ivan Lokere said he chose Romania because it is a country with significant natural resources and it has a good position to serve the Central and East European markets.

The first phase of the project will be finalised in two-three years' time. By then, 3,500 - 4,000 people will be working in the industrial park. Petrica Usurelu owns 20% of Ploiesti West Park.