The government needs to provide support for thriving local import businesses

Local import business dealers are facing immense challenges to stay in business amid shortage of hard currency.

Some of these traders have seen their capital wiped out, leaving them unable to compete with big foreign importers.

The government should not be compelled to support all local businesses but those which are thriving or have capacity to grow and deliver.

History has taught that every country needs to support the growth of it’s local businesses in order to spread the wealth within it’s territory.

Lado Lukak, the chairpeosn of the South Sudan Chamber of Commerce has said that majority of their fellow local business owners are unable to import enough goods because they lack enough capital to do so.

For example, he cited the delay by the ministry of finance and planning in paying the outstanding dues of local suppliers, adding this has made them unable to compete in the local market with their foreign peers.

The economy is very weak at the moment, leaving many households unable to put food on the table because of the high prices of goods in the market.

The availability and access to hard currency for local importers could help alleviate the suffering of the population, as this would increase supply of goods leading to reduction in prices in the market.