A memorandum of understanding has been signed with the Chinese government for cooperation in the trade and health sectors.

Officials say the memo will enable South Sudan to export its original products to China 97% duty free.

The memo will also enable exchange of information between the two countries on the expansion of Juba Teaching Hospital.

The officials say the MoU also covers housing of Chinese expatriates at Juba Teaching Hospital and Mayardit Women’s Hospital in Rumbek.

It was signed by the undersecretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdon Terkoc Matuet and the Chinese ambassador to South Sudan, Ma Qiang, in Juba yesterday.

Ambassador Ma said the agreement will enable South Sudan to build more health care facilities.

“This will enable South Sudan products of 8,013 categories, covering from fruit to leather, from cooking oil to fruit oil – to enjoy duty-free treatment for exportation to China and help South Sudan to build more important health care facilities,” said Amb Ma.

“It will create more jobs, increasing revenues, accelerate exports and enhance social welfare.”

Ambassador Ma said China is much concerned with peace and development in South Sudan.

He said all talents and resources could be committed to state-building with full effort to improve the standard of living of the people if the warring parties quickly end the conflict.