Roads reconstructed with China loan

By Tevita Motulalo

THERE are now completed sections of roads in Nuku’alofa reconstructed with a RMB 291 million loan from China.

China’s Ambassador to Tonga HE Mr. Wang Donghua officially handed over to Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu three completed sections of the 64 road segments throughout Tonga reconstructed with the loan.

He commended the initiative- the “National Road Improvement Project”- will assist the economic recovery of Tonga through safer and quicker access for business and customers, but also through the provision of jobs and activity by the project itself.

Mr. Wang says China has engaged in extensive road construction in the last thirty years, and was one of the key contributions to its economic development.

He says that like China, Tonga is a developing country.

Roads reconstructed with China loan

© Tevita Motulalo

Workers on Tupoulahi Road, near Janful International Dateline Hotel

There are now completed sections of roads in Nuku’alofa reconstructed with a RMB 291 million loan from China.

China’s Ambassador to Tonga HE Mr. Wang Donghua officially handed over to Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu three completed sections of the 64 road segments throughout Tonga reconstructed with the loan.

He commended the initiative- the “National Road Improvement Project”- will assist the economic recovery of Tonga through safer and quicker access for business and customers, but also through the provision of jobs and activity by the project itself.

Mr. Wang says China has engaged in extensive road construction in the last thirty years, and was one of the key contributions to its economic development.

Tongatapu 10 Representative Semisi Tapueluelu inspects the parts of the project to his constituency

He says that like China, Tonga is a developing country.

About 130 km of roads throughout Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai, and ‘Eua is to be reconstructed using the loan, and set to be completed by 2013.

Wang says he hopes major infrastructure developments like the NRIP, will benefit Tonga as it did China.

Hon. Vaipulu responded, “The project will continue to foster the warm relations between the two countries. We are looking forward for closer and long term cooperation.”

More Chinese engagement in the Kingdom

© Tevita Motulalo

TWO separate delegations from China are in the kingdom, including a group of entrepreneurs here to scout investment possibilities in the tourism sector.

Chinese construction workers rebuilding Tungi Arcade in Nuku'alofa's CBD.

Last Thursday, the Tonga China Friendship Association, chaired by HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita welcomed the business group, accompanied by Chinese Ambassador to Tonga, Wang Donghua.

According to the association’s Vice President Siosaia Moehau, “the visit is all about employment for [Tongans], through the attraction of jobs and investment [from China], as well as the increased friendly relations between Tonga and China.”

The delegation also looked into having direct flights from China to Tonga, bypassing South Pacific travel hub New Zealand.

There was discussion about the possibility of establishing a Chinese Investment Bank in Tonga.

Meeting with PM

Meanwhile, in a separate visit, the newly appointed director of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Chen Sicheng met with Lord Prime Minister Tu‘ivakano last Friday afternoon.

The visit was to familiarise Sicheng with his corporation’s clients – CCECC is the main contractor for the reconstruction of downtown Nuku‘alofa.

Sicheng is also the Managing Director of its Foreign Aid Division.

The two parties planned further visits and potential investment in the kingdom in the future.

- By Tevita Motulalo