Senegal Honors Hunan Enterprise for National Wrestling Arena Construction

On February 15, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the Republic of Senegal sent a letter to the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee, the Hunan Provincial People’s Government, and the Ministry of Commerce of PRC. It commended Hunan Construction Engineering Group (HNCEG) for its outstanding contribution in the construction of the National Wrestling Arena in Senegal.

The Senegalese government decided to grant Ye Xinping, HNCEG CPC Committee secretary and Board chairman, with the Knight of National Order of Lion. HNCEG Sixth Engineering Company Limited president Chen Guangle, vice-general manager Li Chao, and technical team leader Xue Lichun were conferred with the Knight of the National Order of Merit.

Currently the Republic of Senegal has two national orders: the Order of the Lion and the Order of Merit. Ye Xinping’s certificate of honor was issued by Senegalese President Macky Sall; and Chen Guangle, Li Chao and Xue Lichun’s certificates of honor by Senegalese Sports Minister Matar Ba. It was the first time that Senegal has issued such certificates of honor to a foreign company.

The letter pointed out that the orders are not only an affirmation of HNCEG’s efforts, but also the gratitude of the Senegalese government and people for the Chinese government's selfless assistance to Senegal’s social and economic development and people's livelihood. This is also a vivid expression of friendship between the two governments and peoples.

The Senegalese National Wrestling Arena is the first modern one in Africa. It was built by the Chinese government and undertaken by HNCEG. The project began in April 2016 and was handed over in July 2018. The arena covers an area of 18,000 square meters and is able to accommodate some 20,000 spectators.