By Matik Kueth
On Tuesday, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol Manyang, reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) during the Sixteenth Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD 16) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The annual high-level event, which brings together global trade ministers, economists, and policymakers, provides an opportunity to discuss equitable international trade, investment prospects, and emerging economies’ development strategies.
Since its inception, UNCTAD has been a cornerstone event where nations explore new pathways toward inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Ms. Manyang delivered what observers described as one of the most ambitious and forward-looking statements from South Sudan since its independence.
She reiterated the government’s “urgent commitment and sustained push for full membership in the World Trade Organization”, saying that WTO accession stands as a cornerstone of South Sudan’s economic development strategy.
“Our presence at UNCTAD 16 is a testament to our dedication to multilateralism. We are working diligently to finalize the necessary reforms that will allow us to join the WTO family. This step is not just about trade; it is about providing long-term stability and prosperity for the people of South Sudan through clear, equitable, and predictable global trading partnerships,” she said.
Minister Manyang noted that South Sudan is ready to comply with international trade standards and that WTO membership would “accelerate economic diversification, attract foreign direct investment, and deepen the nation’s integration into the global economy.”
She further appealed to the international community and fellow trade ministers to continue supporting South Sudan’s accession process, acknowledging that “global cooperation plays an essential role in empowering new and developing economies.”
The Geneva conference described South Sudan’s participation as an important indicator of its growing economic and diplomatic presence on the international stage.
The focus now is on how South Sudan may utilize these platforms to get closer to full inclusion in the global trading system, as the annual UNCTAD conference continues to influence trade policy discussions.