Chinese Investors Await Sudan’s Peace for Economic Revival

Chinese investors are refraining from operations in Sudan amid ongoing civil conflict but are prepared to return for reconstruction efforts post-conflict. The Chinese embassy has expressed hopes for resuming work, while discussions about debt resolution are underway. High-level meetings between Chinese and Sudanese leaders signal potential future cooperation once stability is restored.

Chinese investors are currently refraining from entering the Sudanese market due to the ongoing civil conflict, but there are plans to resume operations once peace is restored. Zheng Xiang, the chargé d’affaires of the Chinese embassy in Sudan, recently stated that Chinese firms are eager to assist in the country’s reconstruction efforts and are engaging with lenders to address Sudan’s debt challenges. “We hope that security and stability will prevail in the near future to resume work as soon as possible,” Mr. Zheng articulated, underscoring the urgency for a return to normalcy. This optimistic outlook follows a significant meeting between Sudan’s leader Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan and President Xi Jinping during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit held in Beijing in September, where various agreements were established to bolster bilateral cooperation once the conflict abates.

The prolonged civil war in Sudan has drastically hindered economic activities, isolating the country from foreign investments, particularly from Chinese enterprises. Sudan holds strategic importance for China, not merely due to its resource-rich landscape but also as a partner in the Belt and Road Initiative. With its reconstruction on the horizon, many foresee the potential for significant Chinese investment to rejuvenate the economy and foster development. The diplomatic dialogue during high-level meetings hints at a promising collaborative future, contingent upon the resolution of the conflict.

In summary, while Chinese investors currently remain sidelined due to Sudan’s civil unrest, the potential for future engagement is promising. With statements affirming their commitment to assist post-conflict reconstruction and recent diplomatic interactions, it is evident that the resolution of the conflict is crucial to revitalizing economic collaboration between China and Sudan. The spirit of cooperation highlighted by Zheng Xiang and reinforced by high-level agreements suggests a strong interest in rebuilding efforts once stability is achieved.

Original Source: www.scmp.com