The team behind the plan to create an international China trade hub is aiming to have phase one up and running in three years.

The team behind an ambitious plan to create an international China trade hub the size of a town is aiming to have phase one up and running in three years.

The first phase of a massive international China trade hub in the Midlands has been given the go-ahead by planning authorities.

Westmeath County Council has granted planning permission for a Chinese Hub in Athlone.

TWO Athlone, Co Westmeath, developers are promoting a massive international trade centre involving a total investment of €1.4 billion and with the potential to create 1,500 jobs in the first phase of development.