Chinese Government provides $2.9 million grant — via ETCA — for USP Emalus Campus (Francophone Wing) Expansion Project (Linked to Record ID#63179)

Project narrative

On June 29, 2009, the Chinese Government and the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu signed letters of exchange, which committed grant funding for a feasibility study of the USP Emalus Campus (Francophone Wing) Expansion Project. China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) reportedly committed $2.9 million of total grant funding for this project. The grant proceeds were drawn (at least in part) from an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) that the two governments signed in 2009 (see Record ID#63179). The purpose of the project was to expand the Emalus Campus (Francophone Wing) at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Port Vila on Efate Island. It involved the construction of classrooms, a computer and language lab, offices, a library, laboratories, and a gymnasium. The campus was also outfitted with computers, laboratory instruments, desks, chairs, and fitness equipment. Dalian Zhucheng Construction Group Co Ltd was the contractor responsible for implementation. It signed and construction contract in September 2011. Then, a formal foundation stone-laying ceremony took place on December 7, 2011,. Construction commenced on April 15, 2012 and was completed on October 25, 2013. A formal project handover ceremony took place on October 28, 2013 and the expanded campus was officially opened on December 4, 2013, the Francophone Wing was officially opened.