Xinhua
31 May 2026, 17:45 GMT+10
COTONOU, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese company PowerChina has completed the rehabilitation of the esplanade of the Congress Palace in Cotonou, Benin's largest city, in less than three months, company officials told Xinhua on Sunday.
The project included paving works in the northern and southern sections of the esplanade, renovation of underground utility networks, and rehabilitation of access roads and parking areas, according to Qin Xuexi, project director of the rehabilitation works.
Construction began on Jan. 5 as part of preparations for the presidential inauguration, and the renovated site went on to host the inauguration ceremony of President Romuald Wadagni on May 24.
Qin said the project was executed in accordance with the highest construction standards, noting that "this demonstrates that behind 'Chinese speed' lies, above all, 'Chinese quality'."
Peng Pan, PowerChina's chief representative in Benin, said 26 Beninese companies participated in various phases of the project.
"This collaborative approach between Chinese teams and local partners has promoted experience sharing, strengthened technical capabilities, and advanced pragmatic cooperation between China and Benin," Peng said.
In less than three months, the esplanade was transformed from an aging public space into a modern venue capable of hosting the country's highest-level state ceremonies, he added.
"Beyond its technical significance, this achievement reflects PowerChina's contribution to the development of urban infrastructure in Benin and demonstrates the vitality of China-Benin cooperation in support of the country's development," Peng said.
The Congress Palace in Cotonou is a landmark of the friendship and cooperation between China and Benin. Built with the support of the Chinese government, the facility was inaugurated in 2003 and has since hosted major national conferences, government functions, and official events.
Get a daily dose of Sierra Leone Times news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Sierra Leone Times.
More InformationNEW YORK CITY, New York: Shares of Gap and American Eagle Outfitters fell sharply on May 29 after both retailers delivered disappointing...
PARIS, France: France will begin reimbursing weight-loss medications for severely obese patients from mid-June, becoming the first...
LONDON, UK: Chinese online retailer Temu has been fined 200 million euros (US$232 million) by the European Union after regulators found...
LAS VEGAS, Nevada: Caesars Entertainment, one of the most recognizable names on the Las Vegas Strip, is being acquired by Fertitta...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stocks rallied to fresh all-time highs on Friday, capping a winning week with broad-based gains as the Dow...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Postal Service has signed a multi-year agreement with DHL eCommerce for last-mile parcel delivery services...
VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV made a historic apology on May 25 for the role the Holy See played in supporting slavery and for not condemning...
ABUJA, Nigeria: Suspected bandits attacked a police station and a traditional ruler's palace in Kwara state, Nigeria, early on May...
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): South Africa Deputy President Paul Mashatile, along with South Africa's Minister of Small Business...
(Photo credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images) Connor Wong hasn't seen much action of late behind the plate for the Boston Red Sox,...
(260531) -- BUNIA, May 31, 2026 (Xinhua) -- World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is pictured...
(260531) -- HARARE, May 31, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean students write Chinese calligraphy at the Chinese Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe,...
