Site work has kicked off on Sino-Oman Industrial City, an ambitious project that is expected to draw $10.7 billion in investment into the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Duqm, Oman.

Chinese contractor Duqm Ningxia Construction Company is currently involved in the preparation of the sprawling site that will house a large number of heavy, medium and light industries, as well as host substantial tourist, commercial and healthcare components, the Oman Daily Observer reported.

Officials from Duqm Ningxia Construction are currently at the SEZ to help oversee the development of roads, office and residential facilities, as well as structures to house light industries and small and medium businesses.

These initial facilities will serve as a stepping-stone for the phased development of the mammoth scheme planned over the next several years. The basic infrastructure and support facilities are expected to be ready by the end of 2017.