Chinese Govt. to complete construction of Forum facilities in Tonga [1]
Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 19:15. Updated on Monday, October 6, 2014 - 10:00.
Tonga's cancellation of its hosting of the Pacific Island Leaders Forum Meeting that was scheduled for October 23-25 will not affect the building of a new conference hall and the upgrading the Janfull International Dateline Hotel in Tonga.
Li Haibin, an Attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Nuku‘alofa said today, August 29 that the Chinese Government will continue with the construction to honour its agreement with the Government of Tonga to build a $3 million pa'anga conference hall, and for a soft loan to renovate the Janfull International Hotel.
"We have to implement it whether the Forum meeting is postponed or not because it is a promise by the Chinese Government," said Li.
The construction of the 900 square meter conference hall at the Fa'onelua Garden by a Chinese contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Çorporation, started in early June and was expected to be completed by early October.
The new conference hall consists of one main conference hall, offices, meeting rooms, a lounge, bathroom facilities, and areas fitted with a built-in sound system as well internet facilities.
The construction work at the Janfull International Hotel started on May 1 by another Chinese Contractor, includes the renovation work of the old wing to accommodate 27 new suites and 80 new deluxe superior rooms and will also include the building of new wall structures, new interior fittings, decorations and furniture that will come from China. Once completed, the Dateline Hotel will have over 125 rooms.
The General Manager of the Janfull International Hotel Lucy Niu was a bit disappointed that she will miss out on a 100% occupancy rate expected for the Forum, but was very pleased at the same time that the renovation upgraded her rooms "and pleases the wholesalers."