LILONGWE--The Chinese Government has handed over a five star Presidential Hotel, Bingu International Conference Centre and Presidential Villas to Malawi, Malawi News Agency reported Monday.

It said China’s Shanghai Construction built the three structures at City Centre in Lilongwe at a total cost of 95 million US dollars.

“The three structures have transformed the city of Lilongwe and have changed the face of tourism,” Tourism Minister Daniel Liwimbi was quoted as saying. “This is wonderful because what it means is that Malawi will now be hosting international Conferences as well as summits, thereby promoting the tourism industry.”

He said the Bingu International Conference Centre, which could accommodate 3, 500 delegates, was one of the largest in Africa and he called on Sunbird Tourism, which will operate the hotel for three months, to provide high quality services.

Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Pan Hejun was delighted the structures had finally been handed over adding that his government’s gesture would strengthen relations between the two countries.

The project was completed ahead of schedule - 26 months instead of 28 - in preparation for the African Union Summit which has since been moved to another country after Malawi cancelled.

It will take Malawi 30 years to repay the loan for the three structures.
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©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment.