A few days ago, the China-aided Niue Ring Road Upgrade Project undertaken by China Railway First Bureau held a grand groundbreaking ceremony. The Prime Minister of the Niue Government, Thagraj, Minister of Infrastructure Tatoui, Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand (Cook Islands, Niue) Wang Xiaolong, and Minister Counselor Chen Zhiyang attended the ceremony.

In his speech, Ambassador Wang Xiaolong expressed his gratitude to the relevant coordinating units of New Zealand and the project team of China Railway First Bureau for their coordination, cooperation and unremitting efforts in the preparatory work of the project. He pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand, in line with the principles of equality, mutual respect and pragmatic cooperation between big and small countries, the relationship between China and New Zealand has maintained a good momentum of development. The cooperation between the two countries has covered the fields of economy, trade, education, tourism, and medical care. . The construction of the New Zealand ring road upgrade project officially started this month, marking the opening of a new chapter in the cooperation between China and New Zealand in the field of infrastructure construction, which is of extraordinary significance. The project has been highly valued by the governments of China and New Zealand, and the people of Niue expect the project to be completed as soon as possible. The project has become a benchmark project for the development and cooperation between the two countries and will benefit the people of Niue.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, Niue Infrastructure Minister Tatui expressed his sincere thanks to the Chinese government and people. He said that the timely restart of the project after defeating the new crown epidemic benefited from the pragmatic cooperation between China and Niue, and benefited from the strong support of the project team of China Railway No. 1 Bureau and the residents along the line, which will be of great significance to the development of Niue. He emphasized that China is Niue's most reliable partner and best friend, and has provided great support and assistance for Niue's development.

Prime Minister Tagelagi of the Government of Niue, Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand (Cook Islands and Niue) Wang Xiaolong, and Minister of Infrastructure Tatoui jointly laid the foundation stone for the project; Prime Minister Tagelagi and Ambassador Wang Xiaolong also jointly used the The local characteristic wooden sword cut off the green garland for the commencement of construction, and the project commencement ceremony was successfully concluded.

Song Tianpeng gave a brief overview of the overall situation of the project. He said that the aided Niue ring road upgrade project is an important measure to implement the infrastructure cooperation plan in the China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum, and it is also the first construction project of China Railway First Bureau in New Zealand. For foreign aid projects, as the general contractor of the project, China Railway No. make a contribution.

The project is about 46 kilometers long, covering the north-south traffic arteries of Alofi, the capital of Niue, and connecting important areas such as the Niue government office area, docks, airports, hospitals, and schools. After the completion of the project, it will greatly improve the traffic and safety conditions of Niue, provide convenience for residents to travel, and positively promote the economic development and social life of the island.Editor/Ma Xue