Omer Mohamed Ahmed Siddig.
Ambassador Extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sudan to the People's Republic of China. .
It is my pleasure as an ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Sudan to the People’s Republic of China to express my profound appreciation for the strong and mutually beneficial relations that exist between Sudan and China. Over the years, our two nations have fostered a deep bond of friendship, marked by extensive cooperation in various fields such as infrastructure development, agriculture, and energy.
The revitalization of Sudanese-Chinese relations has played a significant role in opening up new prospects for Sino-African relations. Sudan is considered the gateway for China to Africa, as China and African countries are currently working together to enhance cooperation and achieve sustainable development for the continent. African countries are looking to benefit from Chinese experiences and technologies in building Africa's energy network.
In recent years, China has shifted its focus towards Africa, aiming to establish a community with a shared future for humanity and forge new international relations. Its relations and policies towards Africa are framed within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which is considered a strategic approach to its engagement with Africa. Sudan also plays a prominent role in the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, and both countries support each other on issues of common interest.
Sudan-China relations are distinguished across various political, trade, investment, cultural, and artistic aspects. These relations have received direct support from the leadership of both countries, and they are committed to developing their bilateral relations through agreements in various fields. This has contributed to strengthening the friendship between the two nations.
China is Sudan's largest trading partner, as Sudan imports products from China that cater to the Sudanese market. China is also the largest foreign investor in Sudan, with Sudan hosting the largest Chinese investments in Africa. This cooperation includes several projects, including oil and infrastructure, which have significantly contributed to improving Sudan's economy. On the other hand, China relies on Sudan as its sixth-largest oil supplier, and China also imports various agricultural crops from Sudan that are needed in the Chinese market. Due to this significant trade exchange, China has become an important economic partner for Sudan, and the economic relations between the two countries have entered a strategic phase. Both countries continue to work diligently to achieve mutual cooperation in all areas, creating a distinguished future that serves the interests of both countries by harnessing the potential of both parties in the next phase to enhance practical bilateral cooperation.
Sudan joined the Belt and Road Initiative in 2017, and it is expected to play a significant role in enhancing relations between China and Sudan, as Sudan serves as a crucial gateway for African countries to benefit from this initiative through Sudanese ports. Additionally, there are several planned projects in Sudan that could boost economic cooperation between the two countries and provide significant investment opportunities for Chinese companies in Sudan, expanding the promising economic cooperation between the two countries in the fields of agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, various services, and providing opportunities for Chinese companies to invest in several African countries, as Sudan, with its strategic position, serves as China's gateway to Africa.
The experience demonstrated through China’s successful oil extraction project in Sudan has served as a model for economic cooperation in Africa and other southern countries. It proved the success of the Chinese experience in this field. Therefore, both sides look forward to further cooperation in other areas such as mining, as Sudan possesses vast mineral wealth, including precious metals like gold, silver, copper, and others, as well as economic minerals like iron and marble. Moreover, there is an ongoing collaboration in the agricultural sector following highly successful experiments in this field, granting added value to agricultural products in cooperation with Chinese private companies and entities. Sudan possesses abundant natural resources related to agriculture, water availability, and significant animal wealth, making it the largest in Africa and the world, in addition to its fishery wealth in the Red Sea and rivers.
Sudan cherishes the partnership with China, which has brought immense progress and prosperity to our great nation. The unwavering support and investment from Chinese companies have played a pivotal role in driving our economic growth and socio–cultural development. We deeply value China's commitment to assisting Sudan in achieving its national development goals.
Our government is firmly committed to creating a conducive business environment that promotes transparency, security, and sustainability. We have implemented various economic reforms, including the simplification of investment procedures to facilitate foreign direct investment and enhance the ease of doing business.
Furthermore, Sudan boasts a skilled and diligent workforce, a strategic geographic location with easy access to regional markets, and a rich cultural heritage that creates a unique investment landscape.
The sectors with significant investment potential in Sudan include agriculture and agribusiness, renewable energy, infrastructure development, mining, manufacturing, tourism, oil, transport, electricity, shipping lines, railways, ports, mixed farming, livestock and meat processing, dairy milk processing and packing plants, electricity transmission and solar energy, railways, and hydropower projects.
I extend an open invitation to all esteemed Chinese investors to consider Sudan as a prime destination for your investment ventures. The Embassy of Sudan in China stands ready to provide comprehensive assistance, guidance, and support throughout the investment process. We can facilitate introductions with relevant government agencies, offer market insights, and help establish fruitful partnerships with local businesses.
Your investment in Sudan will not only yield substantial returns but also contribute to the economic and social development of our country, fostering greater bilateral ties between Sudan and China.
I firmly believe that by joining hands, we can unlock a new era of prosperity and collaboration between our nations. Together, we can harness the enormous potential that exists in Sudan and create a win-win situation for both our peoples.
Once again, I express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering support of the Chinese government and people towards Sudan. Let us continue to strengthen our bonds of friendship and forge a brighter future together.