Oil marketing firm Hass Group announced today that it has signed a 20 billion Kenya shilling agreement to build the tallest building in Africa with China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), currently ranked the largest construction company in the world, Hass Towers, a mixed use development is set to be complete in 2020, and be located Upper Hill, Nairobi.

The Honourable Mr John O. Odipo, the Counsellor of Kenya’s Embassy in China, and the Commercial Counsellor of Kenya’s Embassy in China, The Honourable Mr Vincent E. Omuse attended the official signing ceremony held at the five-star Kempinski Hotel, Beijing, on 28 February.

Also attending the signing ceremony were the Chairman of Hass Petroleum Group, Mr Abdinassir Ali Hassan; Vice Chairman and Co-Founder of White Lotus Inc., Mr Sita Ramachandra Raju Poosapati; Vice President of CSCEC Overseas Operations, Mr Li Mingguang; and Vice President of CSCEC Overseas Operations, Mr Zhang Zhiping.

In his speech, Mr Hassan, Hass Group Chairman, described the signing as an ‘historic’ event andcongratulated CSCEC on winning the contract after a long negotiation and tender process. He said: “It has not been an easy road. [CSCEC] went through a rigorous tender system which they won over ten international companies including European, Turkish as well as other Chinese competitors.

“Hass Group awarding the contract to CSCEC demonstrates a stronger growing economic partnership between the Chinese government and the Kenyan government, and is a testament to Kenya’s economic and political stability. This project will give CSCEC a majestic entry point into Africa.”

Mr Li Mingguang, Vice President of CSCEC Overseas Operations said: “This will be the tallest building in Africa and become a landmark in Kenya. It is sure to drive regional development, promote economic growth, and attract more investment and tourism into Kenya. China State Construction understands the importance of this grand project and is honoured to be chosen as the main contractor.”

Construction of the foundations for Hass Towers is due to start in April this year, when the project will officially launch in Kenya. Once complete, the development will include Grade A offices, a five-star Hilton hotel, plus a luxury retail and entertainment complex. Standing over 300 metres high with 67 storeys, the tallest tower is designed to represent ‘the height of African achievement’, considerably taller than the current record holder, the Carlton Centre in South Africa (at 50 floors and 223 m tall).

Kenya is one of Africa’s fastest growing economies with strong growth in its agricultural, tourism, construction and telecommunication sectors. The project is conveniently located just 16km from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, in Nairobi’s growing financial hub of Upper Hill, where many embassies and international organisations have set up their regional offices. These include Cisco Systems, World Bank and the IMF.

read more [url]http://www.africanbusinessreview.co.za/finance/2758/World's-largest-construction-company-to-build-Africa's-tallest-development[/url]

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