Gatwech Koak Nyuon from South Sudan: Learning experience in China a lifetime of wealth

"The experience of studying in China has provided me with a lifetime’s worth of wealth," said Gatwech Koak Nyuon, secretary-general of the Government of Jonglei State in South Sudan, during an interview with People's Daily. 

Nyuon, now 37 years old, entered the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD) in China in 2019 to pursue a doctorate degree in economics with a focus on national development. "During my studies in China, I was impressed with the courses in development economics, new structural economics, and policy design, as well as field research," Nyuon said, stating that this precious experience helped him build a comprehensive understanding of economics in terms of a global perspective, methodology, and practical operations. 

The establishment of the ISSCAD in China has helped other countries cultivate high-level talents in state governance, which fully reflects the country's continuous assistance to other developing countries through concrete actions, he said. "I attended classes with classmates from 27 countries, and the institute treated us equally, selflessly sharing China's successful development experience." 

Nyuon had also conducted field study and research in Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong province and Xiaogang village – known as birthplace of China's rural reform – in Anhui province, gaining a firsthand understanding of the country's urban and rural economic development. 

In his view, China's remarkable achievements in development stem from its ability to adapt to local conditions, starting from practical circumstances, and forging its own path of independent innovation with Chinese characteristics. In a county in Henan province where he toured a local hospital's internet-based medical platform, he found that through the online platform, patients can consult and seek medical treatment remotely, effectively reducing the time and cost of seeking medical services. "Accelerating digitization has played an important role in promoting poverty reduction in China, which is worth learning by other developing countries, including South Sudan," he said.

As pointed out in the report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China adheres to the five principles of peaceful coexistence to develop friendly cooperation with all countries, promotes the building of a new type of international relations, and is committed to expanding common interests with various countries, Nyuon said, adding that China's initiatives and propositions are in line with the needs of South Sudan's stability and development. 

South Sudan is a young country, he said. The Chinese government has assisted in the construction of a large number of projects related to people's livelihoods and infrastructure in his country, which have brought tangible benefits to their people in such areas as healthcare, transportation, and cultural life, he said. "The friendly exchanges and cooperation between South Sudan and China are built on a foundation of traditional friendship. China's assistance to South Sudan fully illustrates China's promotion of world peace and development through practical actions with the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind," he added. 

As the secretary-general of Jonglei State government, Nyuon is responsible for a large amount of coordination work. Despite the large workload, he always reminds himself to remain diligent. "The excellent qualities of the Chinese people, such as diligence and perseverance, deeply influence me. 'Where there is a will, there is a way' has become my life motto. What I have learned in China has greatly benefited me," he said. 

The CPC originates from the people, is rooted in the people, strives to benefit the people, and always adopts a people-centered approach. He said he believes that with the strong leadership of the CPC, China will make more brilliant achievements in economic development, scientific and technological progress, and people's well-being.