The Millennium and Copthorne flag will soon fly in China following an agreement to manage its first hotel, the Millennium Hongqiao Shanghai.

A management contract was signed between Millennium and Copthorne (M and C) Hotels and the owner of the property, the Shanghai Workers Union. The Union also owns hotels, villas and spas amongst other investments in China.

The five-star, 350-room, Millennium Hongqiao Shanghai, is along Yan'an West Road in the heart of the city's commercial and residential district in Hongqiao. The hotel is also close to the Shanghai Exhibition and Convention Centre and just 10 minutes drive away from the city's domestic Hongqiao Airport.

Construction is in the final stages and the hotel is scheduled to open mid-2006.

Putting our M and C flag in Shanghai, one of the most dynamic cities in Asia if not the world, is really exciting, said Kwek Leng Beng, Chairman of M and C Hotels plc, who is also Executive Chairman of the Hong Leong Group Singapore.