The government has launched the first National Trade Forum to explore challenges facing the private sector in achieving economic growth.
The two-day event gathers key stakeholders to discuss and find solutions to the challenges hindering growth of the country’s private sector, which largely remains underdeveloped.
Speaking at the opening session, Kawaja Kau Madol, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Trade, underscored the vital role of the private sector in driving sustainable economic development.
He highlighted that the sector has been largely affected by the ongoing conflict in the country and there is a need to focus on its transformation.
“In the ministry, we must say that the major factor is the conflict that our country has been undergoing, but we need to understand the dilemma so that this ministry can come up with a policy that can jump-start this critical sector,” Madol said.
He further emphasized that discussions on bolstering the business sector should extend beyond the Ministry of Trade to encompass broader economic clusters.
“This should not be solely a discussion between the ministry and the business sector, but rather a dialogue involving the wider economic clusters,” he added.
According to Mr. Madol, the government plays a crucial role in enabling the private sector to thrive by establishing a stable and predictable environment.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Onyito Adigo, emphasized the need to commercialize livestock to boost the commercial market.
He underscored the importance of cooperation between the private and public sectors in promote economic growth.
“In this meeting, the private and public sectors need to put their hands together for the welfare of South Sudanese,” Adigo appealed.
“Even the recent conflict [demonstration ] that erupted, because of an incident that happened in Sudan, all shops were closed. And we’re asking why, where are the South Sudanese traders? It means we have been controlled by the foreigners. You pretended to be traders here. If you go to Uganda now, does such a thing happen?” he posed.
In her closing remarks, Minister of Trade, Atong Kuol Manyang, affirmed that trade is the backbone of economic growth, stressing the crucial role of the private sector.
The first National Trade Forum was organized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry stakeholders under the theme: “Understanding Private Sector Challenges and Solutions on Matters that Affect the Business Environment for Sustainable Growth.”
The event was attended by a number of high-ranking government officials, including the National Minister for Youth and Sports, the National Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, the Deputy Minister for Interior, the Commissioner General for the National Revenue Authority, and Industry, East Africa Affairs, and Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards, and other dignitaries.
