On the morning of February 25 (local time),the launch ceremony for the LOT2–LOT7 sections of the Republic of the Congo’s Corridor No. 13 project—undertaken by HCIG—was held in Impfondo.Denis Sassou Nguesso attended the event and laid the foundation stone,joined by government officials,Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of the Congo An Qing,and representatives of local communities.

During the ceremony,President Sassou personally operated construction machinery to complete the symbolic groundbreaking,marking the official commencement of this strategic project.

In his remarks,the project owner’s representative,State Minister for Land Development and Major Works Jean-Jacques Bouya,spoke highly of the longstanding friendship and fruitful cooperation between China and the Republic of the Congo.He expressed sincere appreciation for China’s strong support for the country’s infrastructure development and economic growth. He noted that Corridor No. 13 is a major international transport artery linking the Republic of the Congo with the Central African Republic and Chad,and carries significant strategic importance for optimizing national spatial planning and advancing economic development in the northern regions. Once completed,the corridor will serve as a vital economic lifeline across Central Africa,fundamentally reshaping the regional development landscape.

Representing HCIG,Li Zhenlai,Head of the International Cooperation Department and Chairman of SHICO,stated that the Corridor No. 13 project is one of two pilot projects under the new China–Congo cooperation framework. It embodies a shared vision of building a well-connected,dynamic,and prosperous China–Africa region,and aligns closely with the Belt and Road Initiative and the African Union’s regional integration agenda.He affirmed that HCIG will spare no effort in advancing the project,strictly adhering to schedule and quality standards,and striving to deliver a benchmark project of mutually beneficial cooperation that is replicable and scalable.

The LOT2–LOT7 sections span a total length of 621.78 kilometers,traversing forest and swamp areas. The scope of work includes subgrade,pavement,bridges and culverts,traffic safety facilities,toll stations,and associated structures.As a key infrastructure and livelihood project in Likouala Province,the road will,upon completion,significantly improve regional connectivity,enhance logistics efficiency,facilitate public mobility,and provide strong support for local economic and social development.

The successful groundbreaking marks another milestone in deepening infrastructure connectivity and advancing shared development between China and the Republic of the Congo under the Belt and Road framework,injecting fresh momentum into building a closer China–Africa community with a shared future.

The launch ceremony was covered by major local media outlets,including the national television broadcaster of the Republic of the Congo.