Cooperation projects revitalize Argentine infrastructure, light up China-Argentina ties
Atop the
remote Patagonia region in southernmost Argentina, two hydroelectric dams
co-contracted by a consortium comprised of Chinese engineering and construction
conglomerate Gezhouba Group and Argentine businesses are under construction in
full swing.
The
Condor Cliff and La Barrancosa dams built along the Santa Cruz River are also the
largest engineering project Argentina has ever seen in history.
The
cooperation in building the two dams is based on a deal inked at the witness of
two heads of state when Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a visit to the South
American country in 2014, during which he witnessed agreement signing and
commencement ceremonies of multiple big cooperation projects and placed a hope
on football cooperation.
Argentine
President Mauricio Macri has, on multiple occasions, expressed his gratitude
for China’s generous support in infrastructure construction, financial
stability and economic reforms, and extended a welcome hand to China’s
investment in ports, railways, roads and agriculture in Argentina.
Once the
hydroelectric complex in southern Santa Cruz Province completed, it will
be able to boost the nation’s power supply by 6.5 percent with an estimated
annual electricity production of nearly 5 billion kilowatt-hours (kwh),
which is enough to power 1.5 million households.
By then,
Argentina will not only save about $1.2 billion in oil imports each year, but
also be able to export electricity to its neighbors like Brazil and Paraguay.
Just
like the hydroelectric project that combines the advantages of both Chinese and
Argentine companies, a raft of Chinese engineering contractors and equipment
manufacturers are expanding partnership in Argentina.
With
over 80 percent employees from local community, they have created 5,000 jobs
directly, and nearly 20,000 positions indirectly for the South American
country, and also driven the rapid growth of local industries such as steel,
logistics, catering and airport.
“We are
lucky to form a consortium with a Chinese company. The technology and financial
support provided by China will help optimize local infrastructure,” said
Sergio, a member of the project’s executive committee.
“This is
one of the best gifts Argentina receives from China,” added the 64-year-old man
who has visited China for many times.
A series
of other projects Xi witnessed in his Argentine trip in 2014 are also in smooth
progress, portraying the closer economic and trade cooperation between the two
countries.
The
renovation project of Belgrano Cargas cargo railroad, which Xi attended its
opening ceremony via a video link in his 2014 trip, will be completed by China
Machinery Engineering Corporation in 2019.
As one
of three strategic state-run rail lines in Argentina, the Belgrano Cargas cargo
railway connects the country's northern agricultural heartland with leading
distribution or export hubs. The network, whose construction began in 1876, is
of vital importance for the South American country known as the “granary of the
world”.
But due
to insufficient investment, the railway spanning over 7,000 kilometers was
aging and outdated, with only hundreds of kilometers in fine conditions.
After
the rail line is reactivated, the grain from Salta province in northwest of the
country can arrive in the eastern exporting hub of Rosario in a day, far less
than the previous one week, said You Haibin, chief engineer of the project on
the Chinese side.
Chinese
equipment, technologies and capital have reinvigorated Argentina’s railway
network, said railway technician Ariel Espinoza. From a family dedicated to
railway work for four generations, he has special intimacy towards the rail
line.
“We also
expect the Chinese companies to help us upgrade the passenger lines after
revamping the freight railway. I feel lucky as our generation can engage in the
revitalization of Argentina’s railway network thanks to China.” Espinoza added.
A group
of Chinese teenager football players began their 30-day training in national
football training base of Argentina in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, as part of
football cooperation plan between the two countries.
The
activity allows young Chinese players and their coaches to have professional
training and matches in the national base, and receive guidance from Argentine
coaches.
This is
the first time for the national training base, cradle of many great players
including Diego Maradona, to open all facilities to players outside of
Argentina.
“We will
enhance cooperation with China and offer a support to its football dream,” said
Argentina Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia,
pledging that in the future, more Chinese football players will be invited to
Argentine clubs for training.
Pics:
Renovation
construction site in Salta province section of the Belgrano Cargas cargo
railroad in Argentina. (Photo by Wang Di from People’s Daily)
The
construction site of Condor Cliff and La Barrancosa dams in Patagonia region in
southernmost Argentina. (By Zhang Weizhong from People’s Daily)
Tango
dancers on the street of Buenos Aires, capital city of Argentina. (Photo by
Zhao Duo from People’s Daily Online)
Chinese
and Argentine teenage football players are receiving training on national
football training base of Argentina in Buenos Aires. (Xinhua)
(Source: People’s Daily)
Cooperation projects revitalize Argentine infrastructure, light up China-Argentina ties
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