Nigerien president launches China-funded hospital project

Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou, accompanied by Chinese Ambassador Shi Hu, on Tuesday morning presided over the ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the construction of a general referral hospital with a capacity of 500 beds in Niamey.

According to the Nigerien authorities, the hospital will be the biggest and most modern health facility in the African country.

The ceremony was attended by government officials, parliamentarians and diplomats in Niger.

The project of 27 billion CFA Franc (about 55.8 million U.S. dollars) is being undertaken by a Chinese company.

Niger's Health Minister Manou Agali expressed thanks to China for the continued support, promising that Niger will ensure the success of the project.

Officials say the Sino-Nigerien cooperation has expanded quickly, covering political, economic, energy, cultural, security and infrastructure areas.