Hon. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi,
Cabinet Ministers,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, on behalf of the Chinese Government, I am happy to hand over the China aid-funded projects, including the new Multipurpose Gymnasium, and the renovated Apia Park Stadium and Aquatic Center for the 2019 Pacific Games.
Thanks to the hard work of the Chinese Construction team and joint efforts of both sides, the building of the new Multipurpose Gymnasium, and the renovation of Apia Park Stadium and Aquatic Center have been completed in a speedy and high-quality manner. All three venues are now shiny, fully-functional and world-class, ready to receive athletes and spectators from around the Pacific and the whole world. Among the three venues, the new Multipurpose Gymnasium is the most challenging one. The Gym’s floor space covers an area of 40,000 square meters and is equipped with 1600 spectator seats. It will be able to hold many games such as basket ball, netball, volleyball, badminton and ping-pong. Considering the fact that it was built from scratch less than 9 months ago, it is a miracle created by both the Chinese and Samoan sides. I know that the Chinese construction team has worked day and night, without having any vacations in their 9 months of intense hard work. They overcome many difficulties as well, such as shortage of building materials, wet rainy seasons and ferocious attack from mosquitoes. The Samoan government has also done a lot to coordinate the implementation of the projects. Hon. Prime Minister Tuilaepa paid his personal attention to the projects and provided precious help when there is shortage of building materials. Hereby, I wish to thank all of you for your dedication and contribution to the projects. It fully demonstrates the depth and breath of China-Samoa friendship and trust.
Apart from the three venues, last month, the Chinese government handed over to the Samoan Government 87 vehicles, sports equipment and fireworks, as well as clothing materials and performance props for the 2019 Pacific Games. More than 200 Samoan athletes and 30 chefs have completed their training in China and come back to Samoa ready for the Games.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Samoa is China’s good friend and reliable partner in the Pacific. China will always stand by Samoa in times of need. The 2019 Pacific Games will be held in two weeks time. I am happy to see that all the Pacific Games-related assistance projects aided by China have been delivered to Samoa in a high-quality and efficient manner.
At last, I would like to end by wishing the Games every success!
Thank you!