China's Zhejiang: An Essential Ally in South Sudan, Africa
China's Zhejiang province plays a vital role as a partner to South Sudan in Africa.
TroibNews 
On the brink of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit, President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan arrived in Eastern China to bolster the economic and political partnership with Zhejiang Province.
During his visit, which started on September 2, President Kiir was warmly received by Yi Lianhong, the Communist Party of China’s Secretary for Zhejiang, who remarked on the enduring friendship between the two nations. He observed that President Kiir's visit signifies a robust intent to enhance cooperation.
The President of South Sudan pointed out the wealth of natural resources and potential for investment in his country. He emphasized that the visit was a prime chance to examine China’s advancements and further collaboration in various sectors including agriculture, trade, and tourism. He mentioned the visit as a significant opportunity to deepen these relations and boost the quality of life in South Sudan.
Yi reflected on the importance of President Kiir’s trip and attendance at the FOCAC summit for promoting friendly interactions and pragmatic cooperation. He also described the transformation of Zhejiang over recent decades, crediting the "Double-Eight Strategy," formulated under President Xi Jinping’s leadership. This strategy focuses on leveraging Zhejiang's economic capabilities and natural resources through specific developmental initiatives.
Yi further conveyed Zhejiang’s readiness to expand cooperation with South Sudan across trade, education, and cultural exchanges, aligning with the Belt and Road Initiative.
In a significant move, President Kiir spearheaded the initiation of the first South Sudan-Zhejiang Economic, Investment and Trade Forum, marking a milestone in bilateral economic relations.
"South Sudan offers immense opportunities in sectors such as mining, agriculture, fisheries, trade, tourism and transportation," remarked Lily Adhieu Martin, President Kiir’s press secretary, capturing his statements. He further noted the importance of educational scholarships and training local cadres to enhance interpersonal ties.
Alongside Kiir, significant figures such as Finance Minister Dr. Marial Dongrin participated, underlining the South Sudanese government’s dedication to forging strong economic links with Zhejiang.
Chen Jiangfeng, the deputy director of Zhejiang's Foreign Affairs Office, at a press conference during the FOCAC summit, shed light on the province's successes in fostering connections with Africa, pointing out the establishment of numerous sister-city ties and a substantial trade volume.
Zhu Jun, Zhejiang's chief economist at the Department of Commerce, discussed the vital role of the province’s private enterprises in African investment. He highlighted successful initiatives like the China-Benin Economic and Trade Development Center and the China-Tanzania Industrial Park which support global capacity cooperation. He also noted the impact of educational programs, including the considerable number of African students in Zhejiang’s universities and training programs, and the upcoming 2024 China-Africa Trade and Cultural Forum, emphasizing Zhejiang's commitment to comprehensive engagement with Africa.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
During his visit, which started on September 2, President Kiir was warmly received by Yi Lianhong, the Communist Party of China’s Secretary for Zhejiang, who remarked on the enduring friendship between the two nations. He observed that President Kiir's visit signifies a robust intent to enhance cooperation.
The President of South Sudan pointed out the wealth of natural resources and potential for investment in his country. He emphasized that the visit was a prime chance to examine China’s advancements and further collaboration in various sectors including agriculture, trade, and tourism. He mentioned the visit as a significant opportunity to deepen these relations and boost the quality of life in South Sudan.
Yi reflected on the importance of President Kiir’s trip and attendance at the FOCAC summit for promoting friendly interactions and pragmatic cooperation. He also described the transformation of Zhejiang over recent decades, crediting the "Double-Eight Strategy," formulated under President Xi Jinping’s leadership. This strategy focuses on leveraging Zhejiang's economic capabilities and natural resources through specific developmental initiatives.
Yi further conveyed Zhejiang’s readiness to expand cooperation with South Sudan across trade, education, and cultural exchanges, aligning with the Belt and Road Initiative.
In a significant move, President Kiir spearheaded the initiation of the first South Sudan-Zhejiang Economic, Investment and Trade Forum, marking a milestone in bilateral economic relations.
"South Sudan offers immense opportunities in sectors such as mining, agriculture, fisheries, trade, tourism and transportation," remarked Lily Adhieu Martin, President Kiir’s press secretary, capturing his statements. He further noted the importance of educational scholarships and training local cadres to enhance interpersonal ties.
Alongside Kiir, significant figures such as Finance Minister Dr. Marial Dongrin participated, underlining the South Sudanese government’s dedication to forging strong economic links with Zhejiang.
Chen Jiangfeng, the deputy director of Zhejiang's Foreign Affairs Office, at a press conference during the FOCAC summit, shed light on the province's successes in fostering connections with Africa, pointing out the establishment of numerous sister-city ties and a substantial trade volume.
Zhu Jun, Zhejiang's chief economist at the Department of Commerce, discussed the vital role of the province’s private enterprises in African investment. He highlighted successful initiatives like the China-Benin Economic and Trade Development Center and the China-Tanzania Industrial Park which support global capacity cooperation. He also noted the impact of educational programs, including the considerable number of African students in Zhejiang’s universities and training programs, and the upcoming 2024 China-Africa Trade and Cultural Forum, emphasizing Zhejiang's commitment to comprehensive engagement with Africa.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
