Sudanspecial CHINA DAILY CHINADAILY.COM.CN FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2010 | PAGE 17 Cooperation lays foundations for ’s economy

the path to modernization, Sudan’s invest- development, the vice president said: “Sudan all others — that whatever the system for Foreign fi nance, technology and trade ment laws offer a range of benefits and is now China’s third largest trade partner in government or the commercial or invest- advantages, such as tax breaks, freedom of Africa (behind South Africa and Angola) ment relationship, it must be mutual and drive country’s solid development capital transfer, customs exemptions and and we are continuing to build on 51 years benefi t both parties and people.” simplifi ed registry procedures. of exemplary bilateral relations. China has As in previous decades, China is playing made a great contribution to our country’s E� ective education co-op Africa’s largest country in size, the Republic Peace Agree- a leading role in Sudan’s socioeconomic development in many different fields and Ambassador Li illustrated this point of the Sudan is blessed with a vast portfolio of ment, is headed development. Last year marked the 50th walks of life.” by highlighting increased Sino-Sudanese natural resources that off er Chinese investors by President anniversary of diplomatic relations between cooperation in the area of education with huge potential in the oil, mining, energy and Omer Hassan the two countries. Golden opportunities China expanding the number of scholarships agricultural sectors, along with infrastructure Ahmed Al- China recently offered support to the  e vice president emphasized the impor- off ered to Sudanese students. development. Bashir. construction of new roads, bridges, power tance of Sudan’s national strategic plan which He revealed China’s plans to open a cul- Bordered by nine countries and with a His adminis- networks, health and education facilities and details how Sudan will reap the rewards of tural center in the capital, , and coastline on one of the world’s busiest ship- tration focuses programs, plus a broad range of irrigation its natural resources and grow and develop that a Chinese fi rm wants to open Sudan’s ping lanes, Sudan is making solid socioeco- on enticing and agricultural projects in Sudan. with the help of international partners fi rst fertilizer factory in a move that would nomic progress funded by massive revenues foreign direct Ali Osman Mohamed Taha, vice president like China. boost the agricultural industry. from the 600,000 barrels of oil pumped from investment of Sudan, noted:“Our deeply rooted bilateral “Sudan is the land of golden investment Looking ahead, Li added: “Sudan is a huge its wells on a daily basis. (FDI) from relations and mutual respect provide solid opportunities and attractive investment laws country but there are many things that need The ambitious country of 2.5 million Vice President of Sudan major countries foundations for future economic success as have resulted in signifi cant amounts of FDI to be done. We would like to stress our coop- square kilometers is endowed with the mag- Ali Osman Mohamed such as China. we develop further positive partnerships with knocking on our door.” eration in various fi elds and we will continue nifi cent and emerged unscathed Taha Over the past China across our sectors and industries.” According to the Chinese Ambassador to to support Sudan’s sovereignty, economic from the global fi nancial crisis as 2009 GDP two years, Presi- To illustrate just how important Chinese Sudan, Li Chengwen, these fl ourishing Sino- growth, peaceful development and stability.” rose 3.8 percent in real terms.  is robust dent Al-Bashir has held several meetings involvement is in his country’s economy and Sudanese relations are built on the three core With a tropical climate and diverse terrain growth was fueled by strong exports of oil with Chinese President Hu Jintao and the ingredients of “mutual respect, common that includes savannah and forest, Sudan and commodities, such as cotton, sugar, Vice President Xi Jinping. We will continue to work and interest and a stable and long-term faces many environmental issues and is at the groundnuts and sesame. Sudan is a signatory of many regional and open up our excellent friendship”. forefront of Africa’s eff orts to fi ght climate Nationwide democratic elections were held international trade agreements aimed at natural resources to In recent years, Chinese companies have change and the devastating consequences of in April 2010, and a referendum on whether promoting FDI and trade with countries in been awarded contracts for many key infra- desertifi cation. the region of Southern Sudan should retain Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Chinese investors. structure projects.  ey include several new As well as contributing to poverty and its semi-autonomous status, will be held in  e country is eyeing membership of the Sudan is the land of roads, giant hydro-electric plants and energy migration through damage to the agricul- January 2011. World Trade Organization and is already golden investment and power transmission facilities. tural belt where many of Sudan’s cash crops  is political stability, generated by the fed- part of the Common Market for Eastern opportunities.” “Together, these projects have formed a and export-bound commodities are grown eral government and 26 state governments and Southern Africa (COMESA) trade bloc very important base for big economic growth and harvested, changing weather patterns is supported by an independent judicial and the Greater Arab Free Trade Association ALI OSMAN MOHAMED in Sudan,” said Li. “China is providing strong are stifl ing the country’s economic growth. system. (GAFTA). TAHA support in the irrigation, industrial and agri- Due to global warming and deforestation,  e Government of National Unity, which With a liberalized economy that is slowly VICE PRESIDENT OF SUDAN cultural sectors that changes lives. the Sahara Desert is creeping further south, was formed under the 2005 Comprehensive embracing privatization as it proceeds along ‘‘ “We constantly push the principle — over harming wildlife and causing water short- ages.  is vital battle against climate change is being led by the Ministry of Environment and Physical Development in conjunction with forward-thinking government bod- ies like the National Survey Authority, the Higher Council for Environment and Natu- ral Resources and the National Council for Physical Development.  e ministry designs and funds many of the environmental projects and programs taking place across the country and is one of the organizers of the Nile Basin Initiative that aims to preserve the future of Africa’s most famous river in the face of climate change and global warming. “Located 350 km north of Khartoum, the $2 billion Project is a massive hydroelectric power generation facility on the Nile. Chinese construction fi rms were heavily involved in the project as well as many other infrastructure programs located close to the river,” said Bakri Mulah, secretary general of the External Information Secretariat. Sudan is the land of golden investment opportunities and attractive investment laws have resulted in signifi cant amounts of FDI knocking on our door.” LI CHENGWEN Situated on the banks of the River Nile, the Sudanese capital of Khartoum is a bustling, modern metropolis. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY ‘‘CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO SUDAN