China signs for gift of 10 buses worth US $0.45m
China will give Seychelles 10 buses worth a total of US $450,000 which are expected to arrive here later this year.
Chinese Ambassador Weng Weiguo and principal secretary for foreign affairs Barry Faure signed an agreement for the 30-seater buses at Maison Queau de Quinssy yesterday.
Mr Weng noted the signing took place soon after the recent bilateral talks between President James Michel and Chinese President Hu Jintao in Shanghai and continued strengthening of ties between the two friendly countries.
He noted there has been a need for more buses and hoped the donation requested through President Michel would help ease the problem.
He said technicians from one of China’s bus manufacturers were here last month to talk with the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation about the specifications the buses need to meet.
Mr Faure thanked the Chinese Government for the donation noting only last year China gave us 10 more buses.
He said the buses will be of great help, adding the public and students have expressed the need for improved bus services.
“The discussions have clearly shown there is a need for us to continue addressing the need for improved bus service in the country,” he said, adding the signing took place against the background of “the extremely fruitful talks that have taken place between our two Presidents in Shanghai”.
He said China has confirmed its interest in intensifying the excellent relations existing between the two countries allowing us to “jointly prepare for a new momentum in our relations”.