By Otto Abut
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Justice Ruben Madol tabled the Agreement on Economic, Trade, and Technical Cooperation signed between South Sudan and China for deliberations and enactment.
Justice Madol said the Agreement came as a result of the visit of President Salva Kiir to China for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit and it paved the way for a new era and recognition of the One Belt and One Road initiative which cements the mutual benefit and boost the trade relations between China and other trade partner.
The agreement also indicates that South Sudan may benefit as small-scale producers of Sesame Seed, Honey, Gum Arabic, among others, once it is approved, and access to the Chinese Market.
“I respectfully hereby submit The Agreement on Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation Between the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and Government of the People’s Republic of China” to you after approval by the National Council of Ministers Resolution No. 01/2024, in its regular meeting No. 01/2024 held on Friday 12th January 2024, for deliberations and enactment.” Madol reiterated.
According to the Minister, the Council of Ministers in its Regular Meeting early this year, resolved to approve the Agreement on Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation, signed on 22nd November 2011 following the visit to Beijing, China, of President; Salva Kiir Mayardit, of South Sudan to attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.
He said, the Council, further, endorses the objectives of the Agreement which include enhancing friendship and developing trade, economic and technical cooperation between the two countries based on equality and mutual benefits, and directs the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to present the Agreement to the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TNLA) for approval.
The TNLA Deputy Speaker for Administration and Finance; Right Honourable Permena Awerial Aluong, said the parliament shall resume its ordinary sitting after 14 days to address the matter officially.