Real estate mogul Donald Trump is extending his empire to Puerto Rico, announcing a partnership Friday to build a US$600 million (euro410 million) golf complex on the island's northern coast.

The Trump International Golf Club Puerto Rico, to be developed with local construction firm Empresas Diaz Inc, will include 500 residences on a 1,000-acre (400-hectare) site between the Atlantic coast and the US territory's tropical rain forest.

"We're building something that's going to be known all over the world," Trump said at a news conference before clinking champagne glasses with Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila.

The first 56 villas, to be sold at prices starting at US$1.4 million (euro950,000), include access to a private jet, a yacht and limousine service.

Developers plan to improve a golf course, previously known as the Coco Beach Golf and Country Club, and open a new clubhouse before March 17, when the 36-hole course hosts the Puerto Rico Open, a PGA Tour event.

The US territory is seeking to boost its economy with more hotels and golf-related tourism, Acevedo said.

Trump told reporters he would consider additional investments in the future, including a possible return of the Miss Universe pageant that he co-owns with NBC.

"We had tremendous success here with the pageant in 2002," he said.

- AP