South Sudan and a Chinese company have signed a contract to construct a modern hydrocarbon refinery

Shengli Oilfield Keer Engineering and Construction Company (Sokec), a Chinese company, signed an agreement with the state-owned Nile Petroleum Corporation (Nilepet) of South Sudan on Friday to construct a modern oil refinery and storage facility in the country.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by President of Sokec Wu Song and Managing Director of Nilepet Muhammad Lino Benjamin. This agreement will result in the Chinese company promptly commencing investment activities in South Sudan.

Benjamin praised Sokec for its role in the advancement of the youngest nation in Africa.

“We anticipate that you will be able to convert this memorandum of understanding into agreements and projects that we will undertake in conjunction,” he stated during the signing ceremony in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

Sokec will proceed with investment without hesitation, with the objective of improving operational efficiency and production capabilities, according to Wu.

“We will start our preparation work as soon as possible on the refinery and storage facilities,” said the executive.

On Monday, the Chinese company’s senior-level delegation commenced a two-day visit to the oil fields in Tharjiath, Unity State, with the objective of evaluating the refinery’s current operations and inspecting the facilities.

Representatives of the Chinese company’s visit to South Sudan, according to Kuol Deng Maleith, director general of Midstream in Nilepet, is a substantial advancement in the modernization and expansion of the country’s oil industry.

In order to sustain the country’s hydrocarbon sector and its overall economic expansion, he underscored the importance of international investors.