On January 3, DRC time, the 45th infrastructure project of the "package" agreement between China and the DRC -- the second phase of the Mbujimayi-Mvenetu Road Project started. Minister of State and Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works of the DRC Muwuni, Deputy General manager of China Railway Resources and General Manager of Huagang Mining Li Sheng attended the commencement ceremony.

At the ceremony, Muvuni, on behalf of the Congolese government, highly appreciated the "package" of cooperation projects between China and the DRC, thanked relevant parties for their efforts in launching the projects, and spoke highly of and affirmed the infrastructure projects implemented by Chinese enterprises in the early stage.

Muvuni pointed out that the commencement of the second phase of the Mbujimayi-Mwenettu Road project is of great significance. It is another major infrastructure project launched in Eastern Kasai Province in the past three years and an important part of the restoration of National Highway 1 of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It will greatly promote the personnel exchanges and cargo transportation between Eastern Kasai and Lomami Province.

Muvuni asked the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Works, the Congolese Bureau of Large-scale Engineering, the relevant construction authorities of the local government and the general public to actively support and cooperate with the Chinese enterprises to ensure the smooth progress of the project.

Li Sheng said that Huagang Mining has been actively promoting the implementation of infrastructure construction projects under the "package" cooperation projects between China and the DRC, and the completion and operation of Phase II of Huagang Mining is a strong guarantee for the financing and repayment of infrastructure projects, which will contribute more to the realization of His Honor President Tshisekedi's vision for the implementation of infrastructure projects, and promote the healthy development, steady and long-term development of China-DRC cooperation projects.

It is known that the Mbujimayi-Mvenettu road project connects Mbujimayi in Eastern Kasai Province and Mvenettu in Lomami Province. It is an important part of National Highway 1 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The second phase of the project, with an investment of US $23 million, will be a two-way two-lane asphalt pavement.

-- Excerpts from the Chinese Embassy in DRC