The construction of the Salvador-Itaparica Bridge, in the Brazilian state of Bahia has officially begun recently. The ground-breaking ceremony took place in the city of Vera Cruz, on Itaparica Island, and was attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Governor of Bahia Jerônimo Rodrigues, Chinese Ambassador to Brazil Zhu Qingqiao, as well as representatives of the investing and construction parties.

The project, carried out by a concessionaire formed by the Chinese groups China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), ranks among Brazil's largest infrastructure initiatives. Crossing the Todos-os-Santos Bay, in Bahia, the bridge will connect the state capital city of Salvador, to Itaparica Island. In his speech, the Brazilian president mentioned that Bahia needs new logistics corridors to boost regional economic growth, emphasising that the project is essential for the state's development and should bring opportunities and quality of life to local residents.

The project aims to reduce the travelling distance between Salvador, Itaparica Island, and southern Bahia. Upon completion, it is expected to transform the regional logistics landscape, enhance connectivity, and attract new investments in the tourism, industry, commerce and logistics sectors.

(Source: People’s Daily Online, 3 July)