KOLASIN, Montenegro, June 27 (Xinhua) -- A groundbreaking ceremony has been held for the Matesevo-Andrijevica section of Montenegro's Bar-Boljare Highway, a major infrastructure project to be built by a Chinese consortium.

Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, Chinese Ambassador to Montenegro Chen Xufeng and other officials attended the ceremony on Friday.

Spajic said at the ceremony that the launch of the Matesevo-Andrijevica section marked an important step in improving Montenegro's north-south transport network.

He said the government has always regarded the Bar-Boljare Highway as a key national infrastructure project, which will strengthen connectivity within the country and with neighboring countries, providing solid support for economic and social development.

Chen said the priority section of the Bar-Boljare Highway, previously built by a Chinese company, has handled more than 10 million vehicle trips since opening, generating significant economic and social benefits and becoming a landmark project of the practical cooperation between China and Montenegro.

Chen noted that besides the highway project, the two countries have also achieved fruitful cooperation in recent years in such areas as the Tara Bridge rehabilitation project, the Tivat-Budva M2 road reconstruction and expansion project, and the Mozura wind farm, bringing tangible benefits to the people of the two countries.

Following the ceremony, Milatovic and Spajic told Xinhua that the project would further improve connectivity, unlock the development potential of northern Montenegro and inject new momentum into the country's long-term economic growth.

Milatovic said the new section would connect central and northern Montenegro while strengthening links with neighboring countries and Central Europe. He said Montenegro looked forward to working closely with the Chinese company and completing the project on schedule with high quality over the next five years.

Spajic said the highway would bring lasting benefits to Montenegro's economy. While tourism remains a key pillar of the economy, he stressed that Montenegro also needs to diversify into manufacturing, agriculture and other industries, which require modern infrastructure and better connectivity.

He said the highway would connect various parts of Montenegro, creating better conditions for investment and economic development.

Spajic thanked Chinese friends for helping Montenegro realize what he described as a long-held dream.

The Bar-Boljare Highway, Montenegro's largest infrastructure project to date, stretches about 180 kilometers. Its 41-km priority section, built by China Road and Bridge Corporation, opened to traffic in July 2022. The newly launched Matesevo-Andrijevica section, measuring about 22 km, will be constructed by a consortium of Chinese companies led by PowerChina. ■