The "Dream of Guayaquil," an affordable housing project designed and built by the Sumec Group — a subsidiary of China National Machinery Industry Corp — was officially handed over on February 4. The ceremony took place in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and other key officials in attendance.

The development features 668 housing units, as well as amenities including children's activity centers, community spaces and retail shops, serving over 3,000 residents.

"Today, we are not just delivering 668 homes, but fulfilling the housing dreams of 668 families in Guayaquil. We thank the builders for making this possible," Noboa said.

Ecuador remains one of the less economically developed nations in South America. Seven years ago, the housing rate for low-income families stood at just 53 percent, making the housing crisis a pressing issue. As Ecuador's largest city, with a population of around two million, Guayaquil is home to the nation's busiest port.

To address the growing housing need, Ecuador's government launched a national affordable housing program in 2018. The "Dream of Guayaquil" project began in May 2021 and was completed in December 2024.

Since the introduction of the Belt and Road Initiative, numerous Chinese enterprises have accelerated their efforts to expand abroad, promoting the implementation of a series of "small but beautiful" projects. These projects have improved local livelihoods and become a key force in advancing the initiative. The delivery of Ecuador's public housing project fulfills the long-held aspiration of local residents to have a home of their own.