Grenada's BRI-assisted airport upgrade keeps island country connected: PM

The upgrading of Grenada's international airport, essential for the country's connectivity and bringing in vital tourism, was made possible through support from China and its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), said Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.

In an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG), he stressed the crucial importance of infrastructure in a country's development, underscoring the country's upgrade of its 40-year-old international airport.

"So we start with our airport, which was completed in 1984. So if we fast forward 2024, it's 40 years later and we would not have had any significant investment or upgrading of our airport. The Belt and Road Initiative, through the kind courtesy of the government and people of China, was able to allow us to renovate the airport as well as make other significant improvements to our airport," said the prime minister.

"If you don't have an international airport, you are essentially isolated from the rest of the world. We rely on tourism a lot and therefore naturally having an international airport can facilitate our tourist product, which is absolutely vital and critical," he said.

China and Grenada signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Belt and Road cooperation in 2018, with fruitful results since achieved.

Located on the coast in the capital of St. George's, the National Cricket Stadium and the adjacent National Athletic Stadium together form Grenada's National Stadium. They were rebuilt by Chinese enterprises with aid from the Chinese government after the resumption of diplomatic ties between China and Grenada in 2005.

The circular cricket stadium is the largest single structure construction in this Eastern Caribbean island nation, able to accommodate up to 15,000 spectators. It has hosted a wide range of games, such as the 2007 Cricket World Cup, while also serving as a venue for the country's large celebrations, cultural events and entertainment activities.

The two countries have also deepened agricultural cooperation, with Chinese experts sharing know-how and technologies with Grenadian farmers in La Sagesse, and other locations.

Grenada's BRI-assisted airport upgrade keeps island country connected: PM

The second phase of the urban ring greenway in Shijiazhuang City, north China's Hebei Province, was made fully accessible to the public on Wednesday, providing citizens with a new type of urban public space integrating cycling, jogging, and walking.

The greenway was completed after over two years of construction, which started in March 2023. It was carried out in two phases.

The first phase, spanning 51 kilometers, was completed in December 2023. The second phase, 50 kilometers long, saw the final gap successfully connected in the early hours of December 3, following the successful rotation of a swivel bridge spanning the Shijiazhuang-Taiyuan High-speed Railway. The Shijiazhuang ring greenway comprises 55.23 kilometers of pathways and 81 bridges measuring 45.77 kilometers.

Along the route, 18 service stations are planned, with 56 main entrances and exits established. It links the three major water systems, the Hutuo River, Taiping River, and the city's ring water system, and connects 76 parks and gardens along the way.

The cycling and walking paths are clearly separated by a rainbow-colored line, making it an excellent venue for citizens' leisure and fitness activities.

"It really provides us cycling enthusiasts with an excellent sports venue where we can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Shijiazhuang. Even though it's winter now, our enthusiasm for cycling on the ring greenway has not decreased but increased instead," said Zhao Zesong, a cycling enthusiast.

"During the ride, I also noticed there are many service stations, including facilities for bike repairs and rentals, which makes our daily cycling very convenient," said Zhang Luheng, another cycling enthusiast.

Urban ring greenway made fully accessible to public in north China's Shijiangzhuang