Nokia, the world largest cellphone maker, starts on Tuesday in Beijing to build its China Campus, future home to its China headquarters, research and development (R &D) center, and mobile phone manufacturing base.

The project, a further step Nokia takes to expand its business in the fast growing market, involves an investment of 450 yuan (about 56.25 million U.S. dollars).

After its opening in the second half of 2007, the campus will host more than 1,500 of Nokia's staff related to R&D, sales, marketing, logistics, sourcing and manufacturing.

"The campus will help to integrate all of our operations and to provide unique opportunities for exchange of information and ideas, as well as for very effective operations across Nokia China and with our partners," said Jorma Ollila, chairman and chief executive officer of Nokia, on the foundation-laying ceremony.

Source: Xinhua