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Chinese firm starts upgrading roads in Fiji

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-27 17:11

SUVA -- A road ground-breaking ceremony was held in Fiji's Sigatoka Valley on Friday with Fijian Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama drove an excavator to open the Chinese-constructed project of road upgrading for local villages.

The 15 km road upgrade is being carried out by the China Gezhoubd Group Company Limited (CGGC), which is expected to cost almost 40 million Fiji dollars ($22.86 million) funded through the Chinese government soft loan.

Speaking at the occasion, Bainimarama highlighted the importance of the project, saying "the Sigatoka Valley is known for its agricultural output and there is enormous untapped potential in the area."

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"The valley's scenery and pristine environment also provide potential for revenue generation and job creation through the tourism sector and the commencement of this road upgrade will contribute to the valley's potential," he added.

The Prime Minister stressed that proper roads is central to a country's progress and is fundamental infrastructure for connectivity", promising that "the government is committed and is zealous about infrastructure, which includes roads, water supply, energy supply and telecommunications."

Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang also spoke at the ceremony, saying the Sigatoka Valley project"is an important part of the Fiji four roads improvement project, which is funded by the Chinese government's concessional loans".

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 36 years ago, we've built up d comprehensive cooperative partnership with mutual understanding and trust, Han said, adding that China is committed to join hands with Fiji to realize mutual development.

China and Fiji face the same historic tasks to achieve the social and economic development and improvement of people's livelihood, he stressed.

The Sigatoka Valley project is the first one undertaken by CGGC In Fiji. The Chinese company is expected to host a similar ceremony on June 1 for Naqali - Serea road upgrade.