Sudan and China signed yesterday in Beijing a contract according to which Sudan in favour of Sudan Airways besides two trains to transport passengers between Khartoum and Wad-Medani along with the construction of new railway lines and a contract to repair the locomotives in Sudan.

Al Bashir, who is in on official visit to the People’s Republic of China to participate in the celebration of the victory over Japan in World War II, welcomed the Chinese investments in Sudan lauding the considerable contributions of the Chinese National Petroleum Company (CNPC) in supporting the Sudanese economy.

President Al Bashir attended the signing of the contracts during a meeting that included Sudanese and Chinese businessmen.

The two countries also signed a framework agreement between Sudanese Shipping Lines and a Chinese company to establish a free zone area in Port Sudan and another agreement in favour of GIAD Company for vehicles’ and trucks’ assembling.
It is to be noted that the CNPC expressed desire to expand its investments in Sudan and its readiness to work in increasing oil production.

For his part, Minister of Petroleum and Gas, Dr. Mohammed Zayed Awad said after his meeting with CNPC officials that the company offered to work in natural gas explorations in Block (8) which is located in Dindir area in Sennar State.
He revealed the signature of an agreement between the two sides to utilize the explored natural gas in that Block.

Zayed said that Al Bashir has called the CNPC to increase its investments in Sudan in concentration in increasing the production in the existing oilfields, and that the company welcomed the President’s offer.
He disclosed that what is produced since 1999 is only 12% of the explored reserve of oil.

The Minister pledged to continue working to increase the production in the oilfields besides the expansion in exploration activity in the new Blocks.
He concluded that CNPC is thinking of establishing a fertilizer factory in Block (8) to utilize the natural gas considering that the area is one of the best agricultural areas in Sudan.