September 29, 2022
2 mins read

China aims to scuttle Sudan-UAE port deal

Sudan is located in the Horn of Africa. Despite having the geographical advantage, Sudan has so far not been able to exploit the world’s busiest sea lane…reports Asian Lite news

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to build a new port in the Red Sea in Sudan as part of a new investment deal between the two countries, the first such significant foreign investment since the end of Al Bashir’s regime.

The USD 6 billion worth deal represents the first major foreign partnership in Port Sudan. The proposed Abu Hamama Port is located about 200 kilometres north of Port Sudan. This project will include free trade, and an industrial zone modelled after Dubai’s Jebel Ali and a small international airport, Financial Post reported.

Sudan is located in the Horn of Africa. Despite having the geographical advantage, Sudan has so far not been able to exploit the world’s busiest sea lane.

Plagued with infrastructure challenges and ethnic strife, its only major port, Port Sudan, has so far been unable to generate the revenue it was supposed to.

Against this backdrop, the proposed investment by UAE is set to provide respite to Sudan’s volatile economy. As per media reports, this port project will create more employment opportunities, and it may also encourage tourism and benefit the economy. Adding to that, revenue generated from this investment could benefit other regions of Sudan.

Amid Sudan’s bid to boost the economy, China is creating roadblocks to the proposed project and coercing the Sudanese government to walk away from the port deal with UAE.

“Beijing knows how to adequately exploit and penetrate the political-economic-military network of the African region from a strategic point of view. These are evident from the investments it has made in Africa. For example, China made its first military base abroad in Djibouti, a small but strategically important country in the Horn of Africa,” the Financial Post report said.

It adds that China’s prolonged focus on consolidating market monopoly in the African region is furthered by its flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

China has reportedly lured African nations into a debt burden with easy loans to exploit raw materials and tap the abundance of natural resources. Poverty-stricken Sudan is no different.

Sudan has been under the huge debt of China and it owes more than USD 20 billion to Beijing. Using this leverage, China plans to dissuade Sudan from going ahead with the port project. (ANI)

ALSO READ: UAE, Oman ink $3bn cross-border railway deal

Previous Story

India lauds joint climate initiatives with UAE

Next Story

Haryana to study UAE’s safari parks

Latest from -Top News

U.S. Raises Alarm for Americans in Pakistan

Earlier, the US Department of State had issued a travel advisory in March, also urging its citizens to “reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.”…reports Asian Lite

Khawaja Asif: Peace Only If India Backs Down

The Indian strikes and Islamabad’s retaliation has jolted locals who fear that it could potentially lead to a full-scale war between the two countries…reports Asian Lite Ndews Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif

India Rising, Pakistan Crumbling

Pakistan is on the verge of economic collapse and is surviving on IMF loans, with its forex reserves down to $15 billion…reports Asian Lite News While Pakistan has threatened to respond forcefully

Israel backs India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’

The military operation struck camps and logistical hubs linked to terror groups held responsible for orchestrating the Pahalgam attack…reports Asian Lite News Israel has voiced strong support for India’s right to defend
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Shanghai’s worst typhoon in 70 years grounds flights, trains

The Chinese financial hub, home to 25 million residents, was

China issues blue, yellow alerts for typhoon, geological disasters

The NMC expected the typhoon to make landfall on the