The Republic of the Congo is located in Central Africa. Beijing and Brazzaville established diplomatic ties in 1964. Since then, the two nations have maintained a solid relationship. In recent years, they've expanded cooperation in multiple areas. Two examples are the China-Congo Africa Bank, and the country's National-Number-One-Road. Timothy Ulrich has more.

During President Xi's visit to the Republic of the Congo in 2013, the two countries reached an agreement to jointly establish the China-Congo Africa Bank. The idea became reality in 2016 and in April this year its headquarters became operational. President Sassou-Nguesso says the bank represents a new level of cooperation between China and the Republic of the Congo.

DENIS SASSOU-NGUESSO PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO "One of the reasons that we jointly launched the China-Congo Africa Bank was to develop and strengthen cooperation between the two countries. President Xi and I confirmed a comprehensive strategic partnership between our two sides. The bank is an important initiative in our economic development. We named it the China-Congo Africa Bank in that we hope it will not only serve the Republic of the Congo, but also the whole of Africa. This was in line with the agreement reached by President Xi and leaders of other African countries on cooperation in multiple areas. Partnership in the banking sector has made significant progress. The China-Congo Africa Bank is now located in the center of Brazzaville. The building is spectacular and drives the urban development of our capital. The bank brings along jobs and services. We are confident in our decision to establish the China-Congo Africa Bank and we are also satisfied."

President Sassou-Nguesso said the bank has been a success and plans to expand business in multiple cities.

DENIS SASSOU-NGUESSO PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO "As I just mentioned, the bank is an important initiative and intermediary for development. The China-Congo Africa Bank has been operating for three years and created lots of jobs. The bank will expand its business in Congo, not only in Brazzaville. Currently, we plan to open branches in Pointe-Noire and other cities. The China-Congo Africa Bank always follows the purpose of serving the development of Africa. It creates jobs, provide multiple services for the people and actively participates to the economic development of our country. We believe the China -Congo Africa Bank benefits the future development of our country."

Besides cooperation in the financial sector, another evident achievement is the completion of The Republic of the Congo's National Road No.1. The 535-kilometer-long four-lane road links the capital Brazzaville to the country's economic center Pointe-Noire. President Sassou-Nguesso said the construction was a tough job but people DO reap benefits from the road.

DENIS SASSOU-NGUESSO PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO "The construction of the road linking Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville has been a wish by the Congolese population for a long time. It can date back to the French colonial era. At that time, despite the completion of the Congo-Ocean railway, we still hoped there could be a road starting from Pointe-Noire to Brazzaville but that was not realized. The No.1 road makes our wish come true. Many Congolese then thought it was difficult to build such a road, especially the part from Pointe-Noire to Dolisie that passed through the Mayombe forest and mountains. It was quite an adventure to do construction there. Builders had to construct road in the Mayombe mountains without digging tunnels. They had to open a road sometimes even in a 50-meter-deep valley to the outside. Many people were doubtful. But now the road is completed and is strategically significant to us. Day and night, vehicles are moving freely on this road between the port of Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville, passing the Congo river bridge that links river, road and the port. The road is extended from Brazzaville to our Northern borders, making the traffic of passengers and goods easier along the way. It drives economic, social and cultural development."

President Sassou-Nguesso says the Congolese government is working to improve the business environment. He also welcomes more Chinese companies to set up shops in the country's special economic zones in Pointe-Noire. CGTN.