China to tackle port development in Guinea

China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has won a US$ 770 million contract to upgrade the port in Conakry, capital of Guinea.

The deal calls for CHEC – a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company – to construct three docks, as well as developing roads and other infrastructure within the eastern zone of the port.

The project is seen as a vital part of Guinea’s recovery, following the economic fallout that came with the recent Ebola epidemic.

The Conakry port handles the vast majority of all goods shipped into the country, as well as supplying neighbours such as Mali.

In a speech at the signing ceremony, CHEC’s director in Guinea, Ding Jialong, said, "With the completion of this project extending the Autonomous Port of Conakry, it will become the largest in the sub-region".

The International Monetary Fund has forecast 5% growth in Guinea’s economy this year, up from 0% growth in 2015, and driven primarily by the mining, agriculture and energy sectors.