In the Jordan Valley, located about 200 meters below sea level, rows of vegetable greenhouses are scattered, making it Jordan's main producer of fruits and vegetables. Every day, local vegetable farmers transport vegetables and fruits through the central western Jordanian city of Salt to the capital Amman, where they then send agricultural products to various parts of the country and even neighboring countries. Vegetable farmer Isam Nemat feels particularly relaxed delivering groceries to the capital city of Amman these days. He travels back and forth twice a day, saving a whole of two hours compared to the past. This is due to China's aid to the upgrading and renovation project of the Salt Highway in Jordan. On May 27th, the completion ceremony of the main project was held in Salt City. Local residents say that the upgraded and renovated roads have made travel more convenient and smooth. "Shortening the distance saves fuel costs, and the upgraded roads are also very comfortable to drive. The uphill and downhill slopes are not as steep, which can reduce the cost of car maintenance." Namat, who has been working as a food delivery worker for 20 years, said happily. On May 27th, in Salt, Jordan, vehicles drove past the Monument of China's Assistance to Jordan's Salt Highway Upgrading and Renovation Project set up next to the Salt Highway. Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh) The Sart Highway is the closest road connecting the Jordan Valley and the city of Sart. The previous road was narrow, poorly maintained, and frequently involved in accidents, making it unsuitable for truck traffic. In September 2018, China and Jordan officially decided to provide assistance from the Chinese side to upgrade and renovate this 12.5 kilometer long highway. The original two-way two lane road will be upgraded and widened to a two-way four lane road, with comprehensive upgrades and installation of lighting, protection, drainage and other facilities. It is reported that unlike previous Chinese aid highways, the construction of the Sartre Highway project is completed by the recipient according to local standards. During the project implementation process, a consortium is formed between Chinese enterprises and local companies, with technical and management support provided by the Chinese side. Since the start of the project, Liu Mao, the project manager of China Communications First Highway Engineering Group Co., Ltd., cannot remember how many times he has discussed project progress with his Jordanian partners at the joint office. From wearing safety helmets by on-site workers to modifying the design of retaining walls... Every design arrangement, safety management, and renovation plan needs to be negotiated and finalized by both parties to ensure the smooth progress of the project. This is a partial section of the upgrade and renovation project of China's aid to Jordan's Sart Highway, filmed on May 27th. Xinhua News Agency (photo by Mohammad Abu Gush) "This is my first time (overseas) participating in the construction of non Chinese commissioned roads. Unlike roads directly designed and built by Chinese companies in the past, this cooperation model is conducive to improving local independent development capabilities and effectively helping Jordan improve employment conditions." Liu Mao said, "At the same time, both sides need to constantly coordinate and communicate to ensure that road construction meets local standards and our requirements." In line with the principle of "zero errors" in construction, Liu Mao and his Chinese colleagues go to the construction site every day to remind local workers to raise safety awareness, wear safety helmets, and use protective equipment such as safety ropes. ". The professionalism and dedication of Chinese enterprises have been appreciated by the contracting parties. Jalal Kudeshi, the person in charge of the construction unit of the project contracting party, said that the cooperation with Chinese enterprises has been very successful, and "the professional knowledge of Chinese enterprises has benefited us greatly.". On April 29th, Liu Mao (first from right), the project manager of China Communications First Highway Group Co., Ltd., and his staff were busy on the Salt Highway in Jordan. Xinhua News Agency (photographed by Mohammad Abu Gush) said that what impressed him the most was the use of road barriers. Due to the fact that the Sart Highway is situated along a mountain and cliff, both sides have decided to construct a retaining wall on the cliff side to ensure road safety. "This is the best solution we have come up with after comparing multiple solutions with the Chinese side, and it is an experience that I have not had in my 40 years of engineering work." Walid Laban, an engineer from the supervising unit of the project contracting party, said that our cooperation with Chinese enterprises has not been interrupted in a day. "They are an outstanding team that follows up every day, and all changes in the project are well monitored.". "By constructing this road, we have deepened mutual understanding with local enterprises, and we believe that Chinese enterprises can provide more assistance and contribute more to Jordan's development in the future." Liu Mao said. (Lai Xin She)