S. Sudan promises priority to Uganda’s private sector
Feb 11, 2007 (KAMPALA) — The Government of Southern Sudan has said that priority will be given to Uganda’s private sector to trade in their country because of the long-time bond they have shared over the years.
This follows the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement on February 8, which will cater for issues such as trade, health, education and peace among others between the two countries.
Speaking in a meeting with Ugandan private sector agencies in Kampala on February 8, the Southern Sudanese Regional Cooperation Minister, Barnabas Benjamin Marial, said: “Signing the cooperation agreement is an official kick off to relate with you. Even then, a lot of trade has been going between Uganda and Southern Sudan despite the negative stories that you have heard.”
Earlier in the meeting, the Ugandan private sector actors requested for clarifications from the Southern Sudan delegation about the alleged attacks on Ugandan traders, the expensive accommodation, high taxes, multiple currencies, land and immigration control policies.
Marial regretted the attacks but said people who did not want peace to return to the region were responsible for the attacks. “We promise you that those who did these atrocities if caught will be brought to book,” he said.
He said the region was destroyed completely; there is no infrastructure on the ground, which calls for massive development to cater for the market of 12 million people in the region.
“We need virtually everything and it is now the local Ugandan businessmen who feed us in Juba and I am happy to note that you can now find the Bell Beer, Rwenzori mineral water among other manufactured goods deep in the villages of Southern Sudan,” Mr Marial said.
He said in order to smoothen trade further; Southern Sudan will soon launch a new currency called Sudan Pound to replace the Ugandan Shillings and other currencies, which are currently in use.
It is estimated that on a daily basis over 1,000 trucks loaded with goods enter Juba town an indication that the roads are being opened to ease communication. The Under Secretary in the Sudanese Ministry of Transport Dr Daniel Wani said most of the roads have been opened up.
(The Daily Monitor)