[2019-04-18] China to finance expansion projects at São Tomé and Príncipe international airport

Source: Macauhub

China will finance the modernisation and expansion of São Tomé and Príncipe’s international airport, with work to begin later this year, the economic and trade advisor of the Chinese Embassy announced on Wednesday in São Tomé.

Gao Jinbao announced China’s financial support during the ceremony to present the project, which was attended by Prime Minister Jorge Bom Jesus and members of the Chinese government mission in São Tome and Príncipe to complete the technical studies of the work.

In addition to extending the runway from 2,170 metres to 2,800 metres, the Chinese embassy’s adviser said the project also includes expanding the aircraft parking apron, restoring the lighting system, updating air traffic control and the cargo terminal along with other work.

The presentation of this project took place less than a month after the São Tomé prime minister’s visit to China, where he met with his Chinese counterpart, Li Keqiang, with whom he discussed bilateral cooperation issues.

A World Bank study published in July 2018 reported that the expansion of the runway and modernisation of the remaining facilities at São Tomé International Airport had an estimated cost of US$31 million.