South Sudan opens trade mission in Uganda

Oct 5, 2006 (KAMPALA) — The government of South Sudan has opened a trade mission office in Uganda to promote investments and trade opportunities beneficial to both countries.

The government of South Sudan through its ministry of Commerce, Trade and Supply has accredited Messrs Alkebulan Investment and Promotions to co-ordinate all investment and trade issues involving Ugandans who want to do business in South Sudan, the Daily Monitor reported.

Addressing a press conference at the launch of the mission’s operations in Kampala Wednesday, Mabior Garang De Mabior, the Chairman of the South Sudan Trade, Commerce and Investment mission in Uganda, said the initiative is in line with South Sudan government’s policy of promoting lasting domestic and regional peace through fostering focused development programmes.

“The war is over. Now we are fighting on the economic front,” Mabior said.

He said the liaison office that starts its operations in a week’s time, will facilitate the delivery of first hand information on trade opportunities, provide broad advice on business set up procedures and requirements and provide a fast track business and investment service to intending and existing business entities across the business spectrum.

“The office will be a one-stop centre for information relating to investment including acquiring the necessary licences to set up business in Southern Sudan,” Mabior said.
The Uganda office will be located on Pan African House, Kimathi Avenue while the counterpart office is currently in Akok River Side Hotel in Juba.

“Security and conmen have been people’s fear. What we are doing now is to give you the necessary structures. Sudanese want Ugandans to come but Ugandans are scared,” Sam Mpuga, one of the mission’s directors in Uganda, said.

The move to open a trade mission office comes at a time when the East African business community in South Sudan have been conned by unscrupulous middlemen who claim to be business advisers and partners.

South Sudan is a post conflict area whose infrastructure is almost non-existent but with a rich investment potential.
The area is rich in Gum Arabica. However, the cost of living is high.
In the accommodation sector for example, tent lodges go for a minimum of $120 per night.

(Daily Monitor)