Africa Continues To Look East for Development

Dec. 10 (EIRNS)—Asia's two most populous nations continue to lead the way in Asian collaboration with Africa. India and Sudan signed an agreement in New Delhi Dec. 8 to pave the way for increased oil production and exploration and infrastructure development in Sudan. Speaking at a conference on Delhi's pursuit of energy resources in Africa, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, India's Minister of State for External Affairs, said "India is your long-term partner for energy cooperation.... We guarantee demand in the buyer-seller equation." Murli Deora, India's Oil Minister, said: "We are particularly keen to participate in upcoming exploration and production opportunities in Angola, Ghana, Sudan, Nigeria, Uganda, and Cote d'Ivoire. We offer ... expertise in several fields."

Sudan has been collaborating with China in development of its oil production since 1996. India and Malaysia have been cooperating in this sector since Sudan began exporting oil in 1999. In 2004, Sudan became China's biggest overseas project.

China is also now negotiating a $50 billion oil deal with Nigeria, in addition to many other joint venture projects in Africa.