Chinese contractors in talks to build two highways in Moldova, extending China’s infrastructure order book in eastern Europe
- The two highways will run a combined length of 300km, and will cost an estimated US$400 million
- Financing for the two projects may take two options: wholly funded by China, or split between China and Moldova 85:15
Two Chinese contractors are in final negotiations to build two highways in Moldova, marking the first time China has extended the nation’s engineering and construction prowess to the eastern European nation.
The first highway will encircle the Moldovan capital of Chisinau, while the second will connect Moldova’s northern districts with neighbouring Ukraine, Iurcu said. Financing for the two projects, estimated at a combined US$400 million , may take two options: wholly funded by China, or split between China and Moldova 85:15.
“The projects will significantly improve traffic and contribute to economic growth,” Iurcu said in an interview with South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. “Negotiations on the financing will be concluded this year, and construction is expected to be completed in three years.”
The projects marks the first time Chinese construction companies are extending their projects into the landlocked country, sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania. The country, which declared its independence in 1991 with the dissolution of the former Soviet Union, fits into the European end of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), comprising a string of infrastructure projects along the ancient Silk Road from China to Africa and Europe.
