Sun Xiushun, president of Winning International Group, has been honoured in Guinea for his service to the country, which includes helping it to become the world’s largest bauxite exporter.
Singapore-based Sun was made an Officer of the National Order of Merit by Guinean President Alpha Conte. It is the highest honour ever given to a non-Guinean.
A self-made shipowner, Sun made inroads into the West African country in 2013 to source bauxite after Indonesia banned the export of the unprocessed mineral. Sun’s entry into Guinea was untimely, as there was an outbreak of Ebola.
Despite that, Sun’s SMB Winning Consortium pressed on with mining projects and infrastructure constructions in Boke, bringing social and economic benefits to the locals.
Over five years, the consortium has invested more than $500m and exported more than 40 million tonnes of bauxite into Asia.
It has also created at least 15,000 jobs in the country, benefiting more than 100,000 families, the company said.
“SMB Winning Consortium’s innovative logistics operation mode, such as river transfer, offshore anchorage and floating operation, is committed to building a Guinea to Singapore to China offshore bauxite transportation channel, providing a convenient connection for resources and enterprises connecting the countries,” Sun said.
“The sea route provides two-way trade, investment and logistics convenience for related companies in many countries and regions.”
