Chinese Government provides RMB 20 million grant for Bureau of Standards Building Construction Project

Project narrative

In 2003, the Chinese Government agreed to provide an RMB 20 million grant ($2.4 million USD) to the Government of Seychelles for the Bureau of Standards Building Construction Project (SBS). The old SBS building limited SBS's operations because of the lack of space and it was not designed as a laboratory. The new building would allow for more testing of fish and fish products required by the European Union and better service for construction and engineering work. The new building was originally going to be financed by the SBS before the Chinese Government offered a grant. China State Construction Engineering Corporation was the contractor responsible for implementation. On June 28, 2004, the groundbreaking ceremony took place and the project was officially handed over to the Government of Seychelles on June 17, 2005. The project was expected to be completed in 12 months after the foundation laying ceremony.