The operator of the Port of Caio in Angola, Caioporto SA, says the new deep-water port will be ready to begin working at full capacity in the first quarter of next year, one year ahead of schedule, Lusa reports.

The Portuguese news agency quotes the company as saying construction work gained momentum because of the support of the Angolan government and funding by Export and Import Bank of China.

The report says China Road and Bridge Corp. is playing a part in the project.

The new port is expected to spur trade in Cabinda, the main oil-producing area of Angola, and to create at least 1,600 jobs there, Lusa says.