China is to fund a 20 million US dollar upgrade of Samoa's main Faleolo International Airport.
Samoa's Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, says a Shanghai company, which has contributed to the construction of key infrastructure projects, will be doing the job.
He says the upgrade will include extensive improvements to existing terminal buildings, the installation of arrow bridges and a dedicated power centre.
Tuila'epa says the upgraded airport will provide a unique, cultural experience befitting a modern international facility.
He says the enlarged airport will allow more tourism related services and increase in passenger numbers to 600 thousand a year.
The World Bank will fund a second phase of the upgrade involving improvements to the take-off and landing areas.
