By Kidega Livingstone
National Legislative Assembly has enacted Economic, Trade, and Technical Cooperation agreement between governments of South Sudan and China.
The agreement, which is mainly for trade development, was tabled by Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Ruben Madol.
The minister explained that the agreement follows President Salva Kiir’s visit to China for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.
“The agreement paves way for a new era and recognition of One Belt and One Road Initiative to boost trade relations between the two countries,” the minister stressed.
Submission of a joint report of four (4) Committees on the agreement by Chairperson of Committee on Trade and Industry Representing the committee, Mayen Deng Alier, resulted to its passing.
Deng cited that the government of China has financed grant projects in the country. These projects include Clement Boro Bridge in Wau, Western Bahr El Gazal State, the South Sudan Broadcasting Cooperation Building in Juba, the Juba Teaching Hospital main building, and Salva Kiir Mayardit Hospital in Rumbek Lake State.
“It’s worth mentioning that ratifying this cooperation agreement will enable the Republic of South Sudan and China to open up a number of bilateral projects,” he told the August House during the presentation of the report.
Deng described the agreement as a legal and binding document which will widen the scope of operation between the two governments, safe and does not contradict the overall development plan.
He said a combined committee of National Ministries of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Trade and Industry, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Commissioners General of the National Revenue Authority, scrutinized the agreement.
In the presence of Speaker of the National Transitional Legislative Assembly, Jemma Nunu Kumba, she said the agreement was extremely passed by the Parliamentarians.
“It’s passed, Honourable, and August House has enormously passed the agreement,” she said.
In April this year, the agreement was tabled to the parliament for debate and to be passed.