Rédaction Africa Links 24 with satarbf
Published on 2024-04-09 11:52:13
The Chinese company Sichuan Road and Bridge Group has been chosen to carry out the central portion of the Bizerte Bridge. This is a significant project and another sign of the growing relationship between Tunis and Beijing.
The contract for the construction of the second phase of the new Bizerte Bridge was signed on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the Ministry of Equipment and Housing in Tunisia. The signing took place in the presence of the minister, the governor of Bizerte, the Chinese group Sichuan Road and Bridge Group (SRBG), as well as representatives from major funding organizations. According to a statement from the Bizerte governorate, this marks the beginning of a new phase for one of the region’s most ambitious projects.
The construction of the new Bizerte Bridge is more than just an infrastructure project; it represents a strategic vision aimed at improving connectivity between the A4 highway and the city. The bridge is expected to become a major traffic artery, easing congestion and enhancing economic and social exchanges in the region. The main bridge, spanning 2.1 kilometers, will overlook the Bizerte canal, facilitating ship passage. This monumental structure is part of a broader vision for connectivity and improving urban and regional mobility.
The first and second phases of the project began in July 2022, with significant involvement from Tunisian construction companies. The first phase involves South and West link works, including the construction of a 4.7-kilometer expressway with three strategic junctions. The third phase aims to enhance the North link with a 2.7-kilometer expressway, featuring various structures and junctions to optimize traffic flow.
The project, with an estimated total cost of 750 million dinars, is funded through a combination of loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and a direct contribution of 35 million euros from the Tunisian government. This financial support is crucial for the project’s progress, scheduled to commence in April 2024.
The selection of the Chinese company Sichuan Road & Bridge for the construction of the main viaduct of the new Bizerte Bridge is not a coincidence and reflects the continuity of Sino-Tunisian relations, particularly in the infrastructure sector. The relationship between Beijing and Tunis extends to other major projects, such as the renovation of the El-Menzah Olympic Stadium, which the Ministry of Youth and Sports recently considered entrusting to a Chinese company.
These recent examples of closer ties between Tunis and Beijing are not surprising. Historically oriented towards Europe and the United States, Tunisia is now positioning itself as a key player in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a project it decided to join in 2018.
Economically, this collaboration has made significant progress, establishing China as a major trading partner for Tunisia. Trade between the two nations has steadily increased, reaching unprecedented levels in 2023. China is now Tunisia’s fourth largest trading partner and the top Asian partner. In 2022, Beijing became Tunisia’s second-largest supplier and fourth-largest customer in Asia, highlighting its significant economic role in the region.
Following the bridge, there is much discussion about the development of the city’s port. This project is central to strategic discussions due to the growing ties between Tunisia and China within the Belt and Road Initiative. With its strategic location at the crossroads of maritime routes between Europe and Asia, Bizerte has significant commercial potential. Its central Mediterranean location, close to the Suez Canal, the Black Sea, and the Atlantic, gives the port a major competitive advantage.
By positioning itself at the heart of global trade, Bizerte could facilitate commerce between Europe, Africa, and Asia, becoming a crucial hub for international trade. The port’s development presents an opportunity for Tunisia to attract foreign investment, boost international trade, create jobs, and enhance its global economic position. This project would also diversify the country’s economy, focusing on maritime transport, logistics, and distribution.
Read the original article(French) on Tunisie Focus
