The government of Mozambique will build a new airport in Xai-Xai, the capital of Gaza province, with finance provided by the Export-Import Bank of China, the Diário de Moçambique reports.

The newspaper reported the comments made last week by the Minister for Transport and Communications, Mr Carlos Mesquita, during a tour of the site.

The airport would cost at least 4.2 billion meticais (US$60.1 million), Mr Mesquita reportedly said, adding that feasibility and environmental impact studies have been carried out.

“Gaza province has tourism potential with beaches and parks, factors that require the government to provide highly competitive and attractive services for investment in all areas, most notably aviation,” he was reported as saying.