South Sudan’s national trade forum kicks off in Juba

By Matik Kueth and Jabe Janet

South Sudan’s first National Trade Forum has kicked off on Thursday in Juba, aiming to develop market stability solutions amid the country’s deepening economic crisis.

The two-day forum, crafted on the theme: “Understanding Private Sector Challenges and Solutions on Matters that Affect the Business Environment for Sustainable Growth,” underscores the importance of market stability in South Sudan.

Speaking during the opening session, Atong Kuol Mayang, Minister of Trade and Industry, stated that the forum will focus on developing plans for a strong national economy capable of establishing a system for the production, distribution, and consumption of products and services.

“There is no doubt that the economy is the backbone of any country and that the private sector is the strength of any economy. A strong national economy will have a system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services,” Ms. Mayang said.

She said South Sudan has been importing practically everything from other countries while exporting very little, noting that the country produces nothing.

Ms. Mayang stated that South Sudan must take control of its economy to achieve reformation.

“I believe within the challenges lie opportunities for strategic solutions that will drive our economy forward. We must take charge of our economy because nobody will come somewhere to transform it. The private sector cannot work alone, in isolation, but together with the public sector we can forge a better way forward for more sustained economic growth for all,” she stated.

She emphasized the necessity of a stable market, pointing out that every business must operate inside the legal framework to comply with business norms and laws.

“We will utilize the existing legal trade framework and, where necessary, introduce new ones in order to stabilize the market,” she emphasized.

The Trade and Industry Minister further stressed the importance of working with regional trading blocs like the East African Community, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and international trade organizations to raise interest rates and encourage economic growth and political collaboration.

Onyeti Adigo, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, applauded the initiative and lauded the trade and industry minister for arranging the forum.

He underlined the need for market guidance and stated that the forum’s goal is to build a legal foundation for economic progress.

“This is a very important meeting, and we have to appreciate the young minister, dedicated to his country. I could say this dedication to the country. We need to guide our market. As South Sudanese, you are of nation. I just quite disagree with the Honorable Commissioner General,” he asserted.

However, Ben Gideon Mabor, Undersecretary in the Ministry of East African Affairs, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with investors to promote economic development.

“I appreciate this initiation of this forum, that we are going to work together to make sure that we are bridging the gap that is between the business and the government, or between the private sector and the government. Because at the end of the day, all of us are consumers,” he stressed.

The forum brought together corporate investors from both the private and public sectors to explore solutions to South Sudan’s economic woes.