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Africa-China ties example for South-South cooperation

2009-11-20 09:11 BJT

By Mohamed Samoura

FREETOWN, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Ties between developing countries commonly referred to as the South-South Cooperation are increasingly seen as one of the most promising ways to enhance sustainable growth in developing countries like Sierra Leone.

In this regard most developing countries, especially in Africa, have realized that for Africa to develop to meet the Millennium Development Goals, it must forge close cooperation with other developing countries that have been able to forge ahead in various fields of endeavor.

One such country is the People's Republic of China, which has shared its experience and wealth with mainly African nations who are grappling with the problems of under-development.

During the last Sino-African Summit held in Beijing, the government of China not only committed its financial and logistical support to African countries, but also announced measures to strengthen bilateral and pragmatic cooperation between Africa and China, and at the same time encouraged Chinese companies to do business in Africa.

Since then, China’s bilateral and economic partnership with Africa, especially Sierra Leone, has created much needed infrastructure growth and development, as evidenced by the positive role being demonstrated by the China Railway 7th Group in Sierra Leone in the area of road construction.

The company has demonstrated its skills and expertise in the Makeni-Matotoka road in the northern region of Sierra Leone, and the Bo-Kenema Project in the southeastern part of the country which they have completed in record time to the admiration of both their clients and the beneficiaries.

The China Railway Group ranks 242nd in the Global 500 companies in the world. The projects are World Bank funded and supervised by the Sierra Leone Roads Authority.

According to the Contract Agreement, the projects are to resurface and rehabilitate the existing 37.5 km Makeni-Matotoka highway that became considerably worn out years ago, as well as the 67.5 km Bo-Kenema highway.

With a dint of hard work and a successful site organizational ability demonstrated by the Chinese contractors, the company has completed the major aspects of both projects, including the resurfacing and rehabilitation of the 37.5 km Makeni-Matotoka road network, together with the 67.5 km Bo-Kenema highway.