China has opened a new consulate in Sudan’s autonomous south, determined to tap greater economic potential from the undeveloped region, its new consul said on Wednesday.
“Now as you know, many Chinese companies would like to come here to look forward to the chances, the opportunities for cooperation,” Zhang Qingyang told reporters.
“In this case also I am sure the southern Sudan government would assist or support them to settle down here to do their business while here.
“Meanwhile, we also have the duty to look after them to keep their interest while they are here. That’s our intention.”
China has close ties with the Sudanese central government in Khartoum and is the chief buyer of the African nation’s oil and a key investor in its economy.
Beijing has come under fire from human rights groups and countries in the West that have urged the Chinese government to do more to end five years of war in the Darfur region, which began before the end of north-south civil war.
Officials from the south welcomed the arrival of the Chinese.
“China is playing a very important role in development throughout the Sudan, particularly in the northern part, where they have carried out very successful projects,” said Barnaba Marial Benjamin, regional cooperation minister.
“The Chinese government has decided they need to be here, in Juba, so that they can assist in the implementation of the peace process, especially in the area of coordinated development of southern Sudan to enhance development.”
Sudan is just over halfway through implementing a six-year peace agreement that formally ended 21 years of devastating civil war between north and south.
As the final step, the south will hold a referendum in 2011 on whether to secede from the rest of Sudan. — AFP