Cancun (Mexico), Feb 12 (IANS/EFE): More than 100 community activists and members of environmental groups staged a protest against the Chinese-backed Dragon Mart commercial project in the Mexican Caribbean resort city of Cancun.

The demonstrators from Cancun and Puerto Morelos staged a symbolic closing of the site where Chinese and Mexican investors plan to build the marketplace.

The protest was organized by the non-governmental organization Fundadores de Cancun and was backed by several grassroots and environmental groups in Playa del Carmen, Cancun and Puerto Morelos that want to stop the massive project.

The groups oppose the Dragon Mart project because it violates environmental regulations and will affect infrastructure and economic development efforts in the area, Fundadores de Cancun president Ricardo Lujambio said.

The investors are willing to look at the issues raised by the protesters, Dragon Mart general manager Juan Carlos Lopez said.

"On Tuesday, we are going to file the construction request with the city of Benito Juarez (where Cancun is located). We believe there is much disinformation about the project and that is why we are here to respond directly to the people," Lopez said.

Dragon Mart, whose initial phase is expected to cost $180 million, is designed to be an exhibition center for merchandise from China, providing an opportunity for companies from the Asian nation to make contacts in Mexico and Central America.