China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has offered an opportunity to develop Ecuador's infrastructure and achieve connectivity to enhance its trade, tourism and business ties with the rest of the world.
Chinese companies are currently working on projects along the country's northern Pacific coast, an area hard hit by a powerful earthquake on April 16, 2016.
Financial support from the Chinese government, along with the participation of Chinese consortium China Road and Bridge Corporation-China National Electronics Import & Export Corporation (CRBC-CEIEC), have helped launch large-scale infrastructure projects in the northern provinces of Manabi and Esmeraldas.
The projects include the reconstruction of the Eloy Alfaro International Airport in Manta, Manabi's second-largest city, and two bridges in the province. A fourth project centers on the Quininde-Las Golondrinas Highway that connects Esmeraldas with neighboring Imbabura province.
