Users back Market City plan

The Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries WA will underwrite an expression of interest for Market City on behalf of its users.

Chamber president Trish Skinner said the chamber had appointed advisers and could propose a separate company is established to raise capital to purchase the markets.

The chamber acts for the 25 Central Trading Area fruit and vegetable wholesale businesses based at Canning Vale, but is representing a wider range of users in relation to the expression of interest.

"The tenants, buyers, wholesalers, growers and independent retailers are more than capable of raising the funds to see such a company established," Ms Skinner said.

The State Government announced Market City would be sold last year as part of its plan to reduce debt. The markets are valued an estimated $100 million.

Ms Skinner said unless Market City was in the hands of the industry, it would be impossible to ensure that its use remained as a central hub for WA fruit and vegetable trading.

It is also understood Chinese interests will place a bid for the markets, aiming to develop the site into a major export hub for local produce.