On December 19 local time, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hanumafana Hydropower Station project in Madagascar, undertaken by PowerChina, was held. Madagascar President Rajoelina, Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons Jean-Baptiste, Chinese Ambassador to Madagascar Ji Ping, Commercial Counselor Huo Wei, and Wang Yuzhi, Deputy General Manager of the Company's Southeast Africa Regional Headquarters, attended the ceremony. Relevant local government representatives, PowerChina project builders, and over a thousand local residents witnessed this historic moment together.

At the ceremony, President Rajoelina highly praised China's support for Madagascar's economic development and thanked the Chinese government and enterprises for their active participation and hard work. He stated that the Hanumafana Hydropower Station project is an important pillar for the Malagasy government's efforts to develop hydropower resources and advance industrialization and energy independence. Once completed, the project will significantly enhance the stability of the power grid in the capital region, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower power generation costs, and help Madagascar achieve its goal of doubling the national electricity access rate by 2030. He expressed hope for continued deepening of energy cooperation with China in the future, jointly advancing clean energy projects and promoting sustainable development.

Ambassador Ji Ping extended warm congratulations on the smooth commencement of the project. He noted that the Hanumafana Hydropower Station project is another important milestone in the friendly cooperation between China and Madagascar, reflecting the deep collaboration between the two sides in infrastructure construction and clean energy. Once completed, the project will significantly alleviate the power shortage in the capital Antananarivo area, optimize Madagascar's energy structure, reduce electricity costs, and promote economic and social development and improvement of people's livelihoods. China will continue to uphold the concept of win-win cooperation and work hand in hand with Madagascar to advance the Green Development Partnership Action proposed at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, injecting new momentum into Madagascar's economic and social development.

The Hanumafana Hydropower Station project is located on the Ikopa River, approximately 90 kilometers northwest of Antananarivo, with an installed capacity of 64 megawatts. It is the largest bilateral cooperation project since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Madagascar. PowerChina will adhere to the construction philosophy of high standards, high quality, and high efficiency, build a premium project, and make positive contributions to Madagascar's energy construction and economic and social development.

Relevant personnel from PowerChina's Southeast Africa Regional Headquarters and the Madagascar Representative Office attended the ceremony.