AIECO delegation members pose with NSC Chief Executive Officer Alison Burchell and Acting Venue Manager Tonny Taupongi during their visit to the National Stadium
The National Sports Council was honoured to host a visit from a delegation led by Dr. Zhang Guanbin, General Director of Agency for Economic Cooperation（AIECO)，Ministry of Commerce PRC on 22 September 2026.
AIECO is responsible for organizing and managing the implementation of complete infrastructure and technical assistance projects being delivered by the Chinese government. Mr Zhang and his delegation were in Solomon Islands to visit ongoing projects. The delegation visited the Sports City constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and handed over to the Solomon Islands Government in August 2023.
Mr Zhang, accompanied by Counsellor Li Qinghua of the PRC Embassy’s Economic and Commercial Section and Mr. Yang Song and Huang Pengfei, Regional and Country Manager of CCECC, met the NSC Chief Executive Officer, Alison Burchell, and Tonny Taupongi, acting Venue Manager at the National Stadium. The NSC provided an update on the state of the facilities, operational issues and ways to ensure that the facilities remain in top condition for years to come. The group discussed ways in which operating costs could be minimized through maximizing green energy, recycling water and using boreholes as well as designing facilities considering after use.
Said Mr Zhang: “From our discussion, we can use the information provided to have an input into the design of future facilities. After use is of course important as is ensuring that the use of the facilities is maximized. I am satisfied that the facilities are in a good condition and that their use is being encouraged.”
“The NSC is the custodian of Sport City which is the crown jewel of the Pacific and has hosted numerous sports events and days of national importance including Independence Day in addition to the 2023 Pacific Games. This includes significant use for a variety of meetings from the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders to weekly church gatherings in addition to sports federations’ national squads using the facilities at no charge. We are indeed grateful for the ongoing support of the Chinese Government through the Embassy which also has supported us through various training opportunities here and in China” Ms Burchell said.
This is a regular visit from the Ministry of Commerce, PRC to assess progress and future requests for support.
-NSC MEDIA
