Garang’s Son opens company in Kampala

Oct 4, 2006 (KAMPALA) — Southern Sudan government (GOSS) has offered trade and investment opportunities to Ugandans through a company headed by Mabior Garang, former Southern Sudan President Dr. John Garang’s son.

The initiative is to be coordinated by Alkebulan Investment and Promotions, accredited by the Sudanese Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Supplies to help Ugandan investors explore opportunities in southern Sudan.

Garang told a press conference at Kampala Serena Hotel that the aim was to empower Ugandans and Sudanese, the New Vision reported.

“This is a Pan-African initiative to economically empower Africans. This office is to facilitate the delivery of first-hand information on trade opportunities in southern Sudan. The office will also offer broad advice on business set-up procedures to prospective and existing business entities,” he said.

The permanent trade and investment mission is located on Pan-African House, Kimathi Avenue, while its counterpart office is located in Akok Riverside Hotel in Juba. The office will offer consultancy services to businessmen and link them to partners in Juba and southern Sudan generally.

Garang urged the region to utilise the current political and economic environment and exploit the numerous opportunities in southern Sudan.

“We set up this office after realising that business people were getting problems associated with the post-conflict areas. Some people have been conned and this was affecting the image of the country. That is why we have set up this as a liaison office,” he said.

Samuel Mpuga, the Ugandan director of the trade and investment mission, will have a desk for both small and high-profile investments, such as hotels.

“We are not selective because we understand that all business people can make a contribution as well as do business in southern Sudan. We shall take care of the interests of all kinds of people,” he said.

He said some Ugandans had already started business because of the available opportunities.

“There are many things Ugandans can take to southern Sudan and also a lot they can bring here.

There is timber, honey, vanilla and gum Arabic. Some Ugandans are making chapatti,” he said, causing laughter.

He said Southern Sudan would soon have its own currency although the US dollar, the Kenyan and Ugandan shilling still prevail.

(New Vision)