JUBA, Dec 18 (NNN-SUNA) – Agriculture, poverty reduction and food security, are among the top priorities for the future of South Sudan’s development, scholars at the second South Sudan-China think tank forum said, in Juba, capital of South Sudan, yesterday.
Meshack Malo, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the UN representative in South Sudan, said, close cooperation between China and South Sudan is urgently needed, in the agriculture and fisheries sector, to reduce overdependence on food aid, adding that, insecurity remains the major driver of food insecurity in most parts of the country.
John Morris Togo, head of the Department of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Juba, said, South Sudan needs to work with China, to help commercialise its backward agricultural sector, that is heavily rainfed.
Togo also suggested collaboration between the two countries in the fields of education and research, agriculture, and trade and investment.
Deyi Zhou, a professor at the College of Economics and Management, with Huazhong Agricultural University, observed, South Sudan is endowed with natural resources and water, but lacks labour, capital and technology, necessary for developing its agriculture.
Zhou added that, China and South Sudan can complement each other, thus benefiting from win-win cooperation.
Deng Dau Malek, deputy minister of Foreign Affairs of South Sudan, said, relations between Juba and Beijing are historical, strategic, excellent, promising and cemented by strong political will and mutual understanding in different fields.
“In today’s world, strengthening cooperation in the areas of research is very important, and this will, for sure support, domestic policies, including economic and political reforms. We are here today to share views, explore and establish the platform for our existing young relations,” said the deputy minister.
Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, Hua Ning said, China-South Sudan think tank forum has built a bridge for communication between experts and scholars of the two countries.
“Today’s forum played an active role in promoting our intellectual and cultural exchanges, enhancing mutual understanding, through mutual learning, and serving the overall development of our bilateral relations. It’s hoped that we could continue to well organise the think tank forum in the future,” he added.– NNN-SUNA
