Shandong Hi-Speed Group (SDHS) has completed the first section of the highway from Juba to Terekeka in South Sudan.

Early last year, SDHS signed an agreement with the South Sudan government to build a 392-kilometre highway that will run northwards from capital city Juba. Work on the highway began last March.

The first section, running from Juba to Terekeka, is now completed, Simon Mijok Mijak, Minister of Roads and Bridges, told local press. Work is now starting on the Bingaman-Yirol-Rumbek section.

Lack of connectivity is a big challenge for South Sudan's domestic economy. Better road transport is also needed to connect the oil-rich nation with the economiies of the neighbouring countries of Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.

Last December, talks were held in Juba between South Sudan President Salva Kiir and a high-level Chinese delegation led by Liu Xincheng, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

China will continue to support the peace process in South Sudan and work with South Sudan to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and the outcomes of the Beijing summit, Liu says.

President Kiir attended the 2019 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.