The 2023 Pacific Games will be one of the most important sports events in the Solomon Islands. On the morning of May 5, 2021 local time, the groundbreaking ceremony for the 2023 Pacific Games stadium project in Solomon Islands was successfully held in Honiara, the capital of Solomon Islands. Chinese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands Li Ming and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Menasi Sogavare attended the groundbreaking ceremony and laid the foundation for the project. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Development Menashe Melanga, as well as cabinet ministers, members of the National Assembly, Governor of Guadalcanal, Mayor of Honiara, overseas Chinese, Chinese-funded enterprises, residents in the institute The diplomatic missions and other representatives from all walks of life attended.

Groundbreaking site

This project is the first large-scale complete set of economic and technological cooperation between the two countries after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and it is also another major foreign aid project undertaken by China Civil Engineering after the aid to the African Union’s African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Headquarters (Phase I) project. The project is located in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. The construction content includes a 10,000-seat main stadium, aquatic center, tennis court and supporting tennis center, catering public area, multi-functional hall, practice track and football field, hockey field, etc. After completion, in addition to meeting the needs of the 2023 Pacific Games, it can also undertake a variety of sports and a variety of social activities, which will have important positive significance for improving the sports and cultural level of the people of Solomon Islands and enhancing the friendship between the people of China and the Solomon Islands. The attraction and competitiveness of the archipelago in the South Pacific region has promoted local economic development.

Project renderings

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Ambassador Li said in a speech that during Prime Minister Sogavare’s visit to China in October 2019, the leaders of the two countries reached important consensus on the development of Sino-Social relations. Over the past year or so, the two sides have conscientiously implemented the consensus reached by the leaders, and exchanges and cooperation in various fields have continuously achieved fruitful results. China insists on providing assistance to the Solomon Islands within its capacity under the framework of South-South cooperation, honors its promises, does not attach any political conditions, and embodies the responsibility and responsibility of a major power. It has proved by practical actions that China is a sincere friend and friend of the Solomon Islands and other developing countries. A trusted partner. The China-aided stadium project is a symbol of the friendship between China and the institute, and it is also an important result of the positive development of relations between the two countries. The Chinese authorities, design and construction units have overcome the impact of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, actively promoted the project from concept to reality, and are committed to helping the government and people realize their dream of hosting the 2023 Pacific Games. The implementation of the stadium project will lay a solid foundation for the organization of the conference, and will also help promote the economic development and infrastructure improvement of the institute.

Speech by Ambassador Li Ming

In his speech, Prime Minister Sogavare reviewed the joint promotion of the establishment and implementation of the stadium project between China and the Solomon Islands, and thanked the Chinese government for its valuable support. The stadium project is a symbol of the friendship between China and Societies. It is currently the largest infrastructure assistance project implemented by China in the Pacific island countries. It will greatly enhance the conditions of the sports facilities, improve the appearance of the capital city, and promote the smooth hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games. The development of the country and national unity are of vital importance. Prime Minister Sogavare highly praised China's diversified functions, energy saving and environmental protection in the design of the venue, and believed that the Chinese construction unit will complete the construction of the venue on schedule with high quality and efficiency.

Speech by Prime Minister Sogavare

Huang Pengfei, head of the China Civil Construction Technology Group, said in a speech that the company will go all out to promote the implementation of the project to ensure high-quality completion on schedule.

The 2023 Pacific Games is an important window to showcase the national image of the Solomon Islands and the achievements of national harmony. Since the award of the project on March 19, China Civil Engineering has quickly mobilized the organization and actively coordinated with all parties in the face of difficulties such as the suspension of commercial flights. Resources, chartered flights were organized to transport project construction personnel. The first batch of 83 management and technical personnel successfully arrived in the Solomon Islands on April 11 to ensure that the project started construction on schedule. On the basis of doing a good job in epidemic prevention and control, China Civil Engineering will fully carry forward the enterprise spirit of "diligence, integrity, and perseverance", go all out to advance project construction, and set a benchmark for foreign aid projects in the new era. Editor/Sang Xiaomei