On August 9, the China-aid project—Improvement of the South Tarawa Transport Network System was officially launched in Tarawa, Kiribati. His Excellency Ambassador Zhou Limin and Honorable Minister of MISE Tarati delivered speeches on behalf of the governments of China and Kiribati. Kiribati President Maamau, Speaker of Parliament, Minister of MTCIC, Minister of MICT, Minister of MELAD, Minister of MOE, Minister of MCIA, Minister of MEHR, Members of Parliament, Secretaries and related officials of Kiribati, diplomatic corps, Chinese expert teams, representatives of Chinese-invested enterprise, and representatives from Chinese Community, more than 200 people attended the Kick - off ceremony.

The ceremony started with a passionate Kiribati traditional dance, and the atmosphere was warm. Honorable Minister of MISE Tarati pointed out in his speech, Kiribati side was very grateful for China's consistent support and help to Kiribati, the completion of the project will not only benefit the surrounding residents, but also enhance the Tarawa overall transportation network and lay a solid foundation for economic and social development. In the future, Kiribati side hopes to develop more cooperation with China in the field of infrastructure. His Excellency Ambassador Zhou Limin emphasized in his speech that Kiribati has always been China's good friend, good partner and good brother. China is willing to join hands with Kiribati to continue to build the “Belt and Road” and a community of shared future for humanity to benefit more people.

Improvement of the South Tarawa Transport Network System project is an important China-aid project agreed by the governments of China and Kiribati.The project includes new bridges, causeway reconstruction and road network improvements, etc. The project contractor is China Civil Engineering Construction  Corporation(CCECC), and the construction will last for 30 months.