STORY: China-built projects hailed by Solomon Islanders
DATELINE: July 10, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:38
LOCATION: Honiara
CATEGORY: ECONOMY/SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Solomon Islands
2. various of the 2023 Pacific Games Stadium Project
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): TERRRY ALE, Local engineer
4. various of the 2023 Pacific Games Stadium Project
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Pijin & English): TONY TOLO, Local worker
6. various of the 2023 Pacific Games Stadium Project
7. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): TERRRY ALE, Local engineer
8. various of a university building under construction
9. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): BETTY TEMASI, CHEC's local employee
10. various of China-built infrastructure projects in the Solomon Islands
11. SOUNDBITE 5 (English): MANASSEH SOGAVARE, Solomon Islands Prime Minister
12. various of the 2023 Pacific Games Stadium Project

STORYLINE:

Infrastructure development is picking up pace in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands.

Many locals are expressing their gratitude, saying they have significantly benefited from China-built projects, among which is the 2023 Pacific Games Stadium Project.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): TERRRY ALE, Local engineer
"It is something we Solomon islanders will appreciate and are grateful for. In the past, we don't have any facility of this magnitude."

Built by China Civil Engineering Construction Ltd., the new stadium serves as the venue for the 2023 Pacific Games, which will be hosted by Solomon Islands later this year.

The project employs as many as over 700 locals, who have also received training courses to enhance their skills and expertise.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Pijin & English): TONY TOLO, Local worker
"China brings more jobs to us and we Solomon Islanders are very happy."

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): TERRRY ALE, Local engineer
"This project itself has a big contribution to the local community and population. It provides opportunities for youths and small businesses."

In recent years, infrastructure development has been kicked into high gear in the south Pacific nation.

As one of the least developed countries in the world, Solomon Islands is eyeing less poverty and better livelihood for its people, hence the strong demand for better infrastructure.

Betty Temasi, a local employee of China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC), appreciates the opportunity to help build a new university building, saying it has benefited locals in every single way.

SOUNDBITE 4 (English): BETTY TEMASI, CHEC's local employee
"It will accommodate a lot of students and the facility will be good as well. It will definitely help me find another job in the future thanks to the experience. As well as I can support my family with my salary."

China is now Solomon Islands' biggest trading partner and biggest importer, with a trade volume of nearly 500 million U.S. dollars in 2022. Going forward, the bilateral cooperation is expected to further boost the growth of the island country.

SOUNDBITE 5 (English): MANASSEH SOGAVARE, Solomon Islands Prime Minister
"I cannot thank your government enough for this wonderful gift to the people of Solomon Islands."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Honiara.
(XHTV)