South Sudan aims to strengthen business relations with China

October 24, 2013 (JUBA) - A delegation comprising of 105 South Sudanese business groups is currently in China to participate in an import and export commodities fair, as part of efforts aimed at strengthening business relations between the two countries, a senior diplomat said.

A representative of South Sudan’s embassy in Beijing, Monday Kumba, said the “Canton Fair”, was held in south China’s Guangzhou region.

The visit is part of a commitment endorsed by the leadership of both countries with the view to enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of economics, investment, commerce and trade, as well as people-to-people interaction and cooperation.

The delegation included representatives from the oil and gas, banking, engineering and electricity sectors, as well as small-scale business owners in the fields of furniture, electronics, cosmetics and fisheries.

Kumba said the visit was part of an ongoing strategy to further strengthen ties and develop effective cooperation between China and South Sudan.

The delegation is divided into two groups - one led by Nile Commercial Bank and South Sudan Development and Business Association, while the other is headed by Kenyan Commercial Bank.

The groups arrived in China on the 16 and 14 October respectively and were due to fly out on Thursday.

During their visit, the groups attended several meetings with Chinese business groups and authorities organised by the South Sudan embassy in Beijing.

The delegation was represented at the fair by managing director of Nile Commercial Bank Michael Marino, along with the chairmen of the South Sudanese Development and Business Association, Gabriel Yak, who interacted with Chinese and foreign businessmen.

(ST)