from ANYANG GARANG in Juba, South Sudan
South Sudan Bureau
JUBA, (CAJ News) – SOUTH Sudan is looking to China to develop its telecommunications sector.
This builds on the deepening relations between the world’s newest country and the Asian global technology and economic powerhouse.
The broadcasting sector is to be among the segments first to benefit from discussions kickstarted by the government and the Chinese embassy in South Sudan on Thursday.
Ateny Wek Ateny, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Postal Services, hosted Ambassador Ma Qiang in Juba for the discussions.
China has already provided aid to build the new studio of the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), opened in 2023.
It was constructed through a US$15-million aid from the Chinese government and replaced aging infrastructure.
“We have agreed to expedite work and train SSBC engineers, who will operate the new TV facility,” Ateny said after the Thursday meeting.
The facility is to play a key role in the general elections scheduled for later this year.
The minister expressed appreciation for the expanding cooperation between the two countries.
Qiang expressed optimism for the growing bilateral relations between China and South Sudan.
The telecommunications sector has not been spared the civil war and intermittent conflicts that have battered the country upon attainment of independence in 2011.
– CAJ News