Work started on the China-Cabo Verde Exchange Centre in the Cabo Verde capital, Praia, Expresso das Ilhas reports.

The Cabo Verde newspaper says work on the first phase should take six months.

The report says the seven-storey building will have facilities for gastronomic and cultural events, for accommodation and for office work.

It quotes Cabo Verde-China Friendship Association President José Correia as saying the centre will contribute to the development of Sino-Cabo Verde relations.

Mr Correia’s association is financing the 330 million escudo (US$3.42 million) cost of the centre, Expresso das Ilhas says. The project is supported by the Chinese Government and the Cabo Verde Government.