With its eye on the world, Sime Darby is constantly on the look–out for investments and business opportunities that will increase shareholder value. In recent times, it has been strategically expanding its ventures in China, with the aim of establishing a strong portfolio of investments in the utilities and infrastructure sectors. The Group’s current investments include a bulk cargo port, as well as a water treatment business in the Shandong Province.

Unlocking potential, enabling economy

Weifang Sime Darby Port Co. (WSDP), incorporated in 2005, owns and operates Weifang Port which is located 60km from Weifang City on the south coast of the Bohai Sea. With a registered capital of USD$ 22.6m, the port currently has 7 berths of 5 x 3,000Mtn and 2 x 7,000Mtn and is undergoing further expansion to meet the growing demand for port services in the area.

In the financial year of 2006/2007, the port handled approximately 7.3 million Mtn of cargo, comprising of raw salt, petroleum products, clay and wood chips. In furthering its commitment to develop sustainably, WSDP is in partnership with the local government, to make the port a key enabler for the regional economy.

Simultaneously, Weifang Sime Darby Water Co. Ltd (WSDW), which began operations in 2005, has a 50 year concession for the sale of treated water for industrial use to the Shandong Hai Hua Development Zone and Hanting Northern District area in Shandong province.

With its principal activities in water treatment and supply to industrial customers, WSDW has a registered capital of USD$ 8.0m and a reservoir with a capacity of 40,000m3/day. Currently expanding its facilities to increase its water production volume to 80,000m3/day, WSDW is determined to meet the increasing demand for treated water, to fuel new industries as they locate to these industrial zones.