China -South Sudan Trade Reaches Over 12 Billion USD

The JUBA, 02 October 2017 [Gurtong]-“In terms of trade, investment and assistance, we are proud to say that China has become one of the most reliable partners of South Sudan, the total bilateral trade has reached to more than 12 billion USD,” Xiangdong ......

Undersecretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Makur Koryom shaking hands with the Chinese Ambassador He Xiangdong after signing MOU on Saturday [Photo by Jale Richard]

 By Jale RichardThe JUBA, 02 October 2017 [Gurtong]-“In terms of trade, investment and assistance, we are proud to say that China has become one of the most reliable partners of South Sudan, the total bilateral trade has reached to more than 12 billion USD,” Xiangdong said on Saturday at the Ground-breaking Ceremony of the China-aided Project of Modernization and Expansion of Juba Teaching Hospital.

The project is being constructed by China Railway and Construction Engineering Company. There are more than 120 Chinese businesses registered in South Sudan covering the oil sector, real estate, construction and service, clinics and merchants according to Xiangdong.

Out of the 12 billion dollars, South Sudanese export to China accounts more than 92%, according to the Chinese Ambassador.

China is South Sudan’s largest source of investment, with accumulated investment volume of 5 billion USD, he said.

Ambassador Xiangdong said following the ten major cooperation plans announced by the Chinese President Xi Jingping at the Johannesburg Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in December 2015, China will further cement the cooperation with South Sudan focusing on the priorities of oil, public health, education and capacity building, infrastructure, agriculture modernization, public facilities, and environment protection, “which will directly benefit the livelihood of the people and in favor of the social-economic development of the nation.”

China attaches great importance to the friendly relations with South Sudan, he said.  

He said in addition to the continuation of gratis assistance to address both humanitarian and development needs, the Chinese Government encourages more Chinese companies and entrepreneurs to invest in South Sudan and Chinese financial institutions to support critical projects of South Sudan.

“It is glad to know that China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and international partners have been working hard and managed to increase the oil production,” he said.

Ambassador Xiangdong said China EXIM Bank has agreed to finance the Juba-Torit Road Upgrading Project and Shandong Hi-Speed- a construction company “is in full gear preparing for an earlier start of the construction.” He said China and South Sudan are highly complementary in various sectors.  “China is keen to share its successful experience with South Sudan and the bilateral cooperation is of great potential,” he said. However, he said no development can take place in the absence of peace and no peace can sustain without development. “We wish a smooth and steady resumption of peace and stability in South Sudan,” he said.

Minster of Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Martin Elia Lomoro in the same event said China and Japan are competing in the aid of developmental activities in the country.

He said while japan has embarked on the construction of the Freedom Bridge, china is active in construction of other roads.