China Earmarks $ 8 Billion For South Sudan Projects
President Salva Kiir Mayardit last week visited the People’s Republic of China and signed six protocols on different economic sectors.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit addressing the council of ministers [©Gurtong/ Juma Stephen]
By Juma John Stephen
JUBA, 29th April 2012 [Gurtong]
Kiir was expected to spend one week in the China, but he returned last Friday and was given a heroic welcome by the people of South Sudan at Dr. John Garang Mausoleum. Kiir said he signed six protocols with the Chinese government.
An extra ordinary Council of Ministers sitting was convened on Saturday where President Kiir elaborated abouth the signed protocols. After the meeting the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin categorically told the media that the President signed deals worth 8 billion US dollars.
“A protocol was signed between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Sudan, in which China was able to agree to 8 billion dollars for the financing of the most important projects that included roads and bridges, hydro power and agricultural projects,” Dr. Marial said.
“The financing of major projects in the Republic of South Sudan was a great success in the China-South Sudan economic and political cooperation,” he added. The Minister said the importance of the visit was to strengthen the bilateral relationship between China and South Sudan in contributing to development.
During the visit President Salva Kiir gave a lecture in the University of Beijing enlightening the students about the Republic of South Sudan, its economic potential, its role within Africa and internationally, the reasons that led to the recent incursion along the border regions with Sudan.
Kiir then officially opened the South Sudan Embassy in Beijing. He later on held a meeting with the Chairman of the China National Petroleum Cooperation. They discussed the issue of the oil fields and more details of the reasons that lead to the shutdown.
29/04/2012, 10:27 AM
- Posted by HD Afadier
At least this is all what i had been pushing on that ;despite United States' role in attainment of the 'CPA' , our friends as a nation are not necessarily in the west or Europeans -they are in the east and are Asian states and my colleagues and friends branded me a 'Communist'. Now it has paid-off.
First and foremost as a new state, we need to understand the fact that given the Independence of other African states for 50 years or so, what held them back in 'progress' both economically, politically at the continental and indeed at the world stage at large? doing so will allow us to develop a pragmatic approach towards our domestic and more importantly our foreign policies.
We also ought to understand the very 'language' that most western nations use to describe our relations with them-they often fall short of the word' bi-lateral'. While on the other hands, the people's republic of China always and clearly asserts this word.It tells a lot to any one with a sovereign authority on his piece of land to choose between a master and a friend.
HD Afadier
29/04/2012, 10:52 AM
- Posted by HD Afadier
A few things to add; for the rapid rise of South Sudan we must considerably look East., coupled with practical co-operation which present day China can do by even allowing Chinese based companies looking for offshore industrial bases to settle in South Sudan and avail them suites to do so. Such bases would allow them to access inner African markets and also have a potential to create employment opportunities for the local population and earn not only income but technical know-how which South Sudan desperately needs.
HD Afadier