ADDIS ABABA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) on Wednesday introduced 50 electric heavy-duty trucks to Ethiopia's mega airport project site, promoting green mobility and development in the country's logistics and construction sectors.
The first batch of 50 new energy heavy-duty trucks, imported from China, officially started operation at the construction site of the Bishoftu International Airport, with another 42 expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
Speaking at the event, Liu Xiaoguang, minister counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, said the introduction of electric-powered heavy-duty trucks in the construction sector is part of a joint commitment of China and Ethiopia to advancing green mobility.
"Our joint actions are concrete measures to implement the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and enhance the alignment of national green development strategies, to support Ethiopia's ambitious climate-resilient green development," Liu said.
Wei Qiangyu, general manager of the CCCC Ethiopia Branch, said the introduction of electric heavy-duty trucks in Ethiopia aims at integrating green development, advancing environmental protection, and executing social responsibility throughout the project life cycle.
"The large-scale application of new energy equipment not only reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions, but also enhances construction efficiency and project reliability. It represents a meaningful step toward sustainable infrastructure development in Africa," he said, noting that the vehicles will significantly reduce noise at the construction site as well.
Mayor of Bishoftu City Alemayehu Jara said the use of electric vehicles at Ethiopia's mega airport project not only reduces carbon emissions and improves air quality, but also sets an example for sustainable transport solutions in the construction sector.
"The Bishoftu International Airport project will not only serve as a gateway to connect peoples, but also set an example by integrating electric vehicles into its operations and promoting green infrastructure development," Jara said.
The Ethiopian government has been promoting electric mobility as part of efforts to reduce fuel import costs, ease pressure on foreign currency reserves, and advance environmental protection goals.
The new airport, located at Bishoftu in the Oromia regional state, about 40 km southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa, will have the capacity to accommodate 60 million passengers per year when its first-phase construction is completed in four years, and 110 million passengers annually when fully completed.
