Chinese contractor finishes airport projects in Maldives

MALE, Maldives－Chinese contractor Beijing Urban Construction Group has officially handed over the seaplane terminal to the operator Velana International Airport in the Maldives, according to a statement from BUCG on Tuesday.

"With a total floor area of 28,000 square meters and complete water facilities, the seaplane terminal will improve tourism service quality and reception capacity of the Maldives and further boost the local economy," said Zhang Fenglin, BUCG's project director.

Mohamed Solah, deputy chief officer at the Maldives Airports Company, said the Chinese contractors had overcome challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and ensured the timely completion and commissioning of the project on Aug 4.

"We are looking forward to seeing a new development for tourism in the Maldives after the operation of the seaplane terminal," he said.

BUCG had also completed the construction of another Maldivian project, the Madivaru Airport, in February. The project is expected to serve as a domestic airport for both the Maldivians and foreign tourists.

On Monday, Zambia also launched a modern airport terminal built by another Chinese company.

The southern African nation officially opened its second terminal at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, which will increase the passenger capacity from the current 2 million to 4 million per year.

Zambian President Edgar Lungu said the project is a testimony of warm relations with China.

Xinhua