The construction of a $60 million sports complex for Tonga High School by the People's Republic of China is going ahead, after a ground breaking ceremony was held on 20 January in Nuku'alofa.

The Tonga High School Phase 2 Sports Complex Project is a partnership between the Tongan Government and the People's Repiublic of China.

Prime Minister, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku thanked the Chinese government for their generous assistsance.

"Having this facility of international standard will not only be beneficial to THS but to sports in general here in the Kingdom.”

He said this sports facility will also help to celebrate Tonga High School's 75th Anniversary in July.

"Hopefully we have one of the facilities running by then."

The Chinese Ambassador, HE Mr. Cao Xiaolin said they were proud to be supporting a sporting nation like Tonga.

"This project is a grant aid a gift from the People's Repiublic of China to Government and People of Kingdom of Tonga, It is a symbol of close relations between the Chinese and Tongan people."

“Sport is an important part of our cutlure and our life. Tonga is a nation of sport lovers,” he said.

Chinese contractors arrived in Tonga three-months ago to prepare for the construction of the $60 million plus sports complex, which will include an indoor stadium, an international standard rugby field, netball and tennis courts, stated the Prime Minister's Office.

Meanwhile, the first phase of the project was the construction of the government secondary school buildings by China, which was commissioned in 2005.

Jiangsu Guangyu Constructions Group is the contractor with designs by the Beijing Architectural Design and Research Institute Co.Ltd & Shenyang Engineering Supervision Consulting Co. Ltd.