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Meetings of Joint Sudanese – Chinese Ministerial Committee Begin in Beijing
Dec. 10 (BEIJING) –
Meetings of the Eighth Session of the Joint Sudanese – Chinese Ministerial Committee began Monday morning at the premises of the Chinese Ministry of Trade in Beijing, co-chaired by the Minister of Energy and Mining, Dr. Awad Ahmed Al-Jaz, and the Chinese Deputy Minister of Trade.
In an inauguration speech, Dr. Al-Jaz said that the Sudanese – Chinese relations have become a model for the constructive cooperation which is based on mutual respect, confidence and interest.
He said that the relations between Sudan and China have been strengthened through continuous coordination and consultation, mutual support at the international forums and the direct sponsorship of the leaders of the two countries. Dr. Al-Jaz pointed out that the economic and trade relations will remain a cornerstone of the cooperation between Sudan and China.
He said that since its advent, the National Salvation Revolution adopted a political goal to transform the Sudanese – Chinese relations from its traditional pattern into strategic relations.
He said that the last years witnessed a landmark progress and a qualitative change in the relations between the two countries which was reflected clearly in the increase of the trade exchange.
He said that Sudan has become one of the most important trade partners of China in Africa and the Arab World, while the Sudanese – Chinese cooperation led to establishment of major projects in the fields of petroleum, electricity power, water, roads, bridges and other infrastructural projects in Sudan.
Dr. Al-Jaz stated that the cooperation between Sudan and China in the past ten years was conducive to a qualitative progress in the bilateral relations, stressing the keenness of Sudan to consolidate and to promote this cooperation for the interest of both countries.
He said that the cooperation between Sudan and China can be described as a positive model of the South – South cooperation, adding that the two countries are qualified to establish efficient future cooperation and a strategic partnership.
The minister gave a number of proposals for enhancement of the Sudanese – Chinese cooperation.
He lauded China for its economic support to Sudan and its contribution by humanitarian materials and aid to Darfur and south Sudan. He called for more Chinese contribution for rehabilitation in Darfur and south and east Sudan.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Deputy Minister of Trade expressed in his address at the inaugural meeting his satisfaction over progress of the bilateral relations and cooperation. He declared his agreement with the suggestions which were given by Dr. Al-Jaz for enhancement of the trade and economic relations between Sudan and China.
The Chinese minister pointed out that the volume of trade between his country and Sudan during January till October 2007 reached 4.6 billion dollars, adding that this rate is expected to exceed six billion dollars in the current year.
He said that Sudan is the No. 3 partner of China in Africa, adding that China became the first trade partner for Sudan. The Chinese Deputy Minister of Trade said that the economic and trade cooperation between Sudan and China is characterized by its rapid growth and extensive horizons.
He described as a healthy phenomenon the desire of Chinese businessmen, companies and major firms to set up investment projects in Sudan.
He explained that China has contributed to establishment of projects in Sudan at the value of more than seven billion dollars, including the Chinese investments in Sudan at the petroleum, mining, medicines, textile and cement industries.
He affirmed China support to membership of Sudan at the World Trade Organization, especially after Sudan’s signing to the Second Markets Agreement in May 2007.
The Chinese Deputy Minister of Trade said that his country will speed up its efforts to establish an agricultural technology centre, a hospital and a centre for combating malaria, besides rural schools in Sudan.
He referred to China’s exemption of the Sudanese exports from customs, including the big quantities of China imports of Sudanese sesame.
He expressed his country’s desire to import Sudanese cotton and other agricultural products. He said that China has extended humanitarian assistance for Darfur in five stages at the value of 80 million Chinese yuans, besides aid to south Sudan at the value of 20 million yuans, medicines at the cost of three million yuans. The Chinese Deputy Minister of Trade said that his country will implement water and electricity power projects in Sudan, in addition to schools and hospitals in Darfur and south Sudan.