South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Joseph Moum Majak, has announced a comprehensive series of initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and stabilizing prices for essential goods across the country.
This move comes in response to the rise in prices of basic commodities, which has left many households struggling to cope.
“We are actively collaborating with the Ministry of Finance to expedite the issuance of Letters of Credit facilities for food imports, this will ensure that essential food items are imported efficiently and reach our markets promptly. I want to assure the public that the Ministry of Trade and Industry is fully dedicated to ensuring a steady and accessible supply of essential commodities in our country,” said Moum during a press conference in Juba on Thursday.
According to the minister, one of the measures governments put in place is to collaborate with the local farmers to enhance production capabilities.
“We recognize the importance of local agriculture in achieving food security, our ministry will work closely with local farmers and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to enhance production capabilities and support initiatives that promote local food sourcing in the country,” Moum said.
He said that they will be carrying out public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the measures being implemented to mitigate these challenges.
Moum underscored the importance of collaboration among government entities, local farmers, and the private sector to bolster food production and distribution.
“As we navigate these challenging times, our priority is to guarantee that all citizens have access to affordable food and vital products. We are taking decisive actions that will positively impact our food supply chain,” he said.
The Deputy Chairperson of the National Chamber of Commerce, John Lual, said that representatives from both the government and the private sector will conduct thorough inspections of markets across the country.
“We are going to assess the prices of food commodities and ensure that these prices come down promptly,” he stated.
He noted that the initiative aims to foster transparency and accountability in pricing, helping to alleviate the financial burden on consumers.
The Minister of Trade and Industry of Central Equatoria State, Tom Wani, voiced his support for the national minister’s proactive measures, adding that citizens are expressing their frustrations due to rising prices.
“There is an urgent need for us to address these issues before they escalate further,” he emphasized.
His remarks reflect a growing consensus among government officials about the necessity for immediate action to safeguard the welfare of citizens.
The initiative announced by Moum signal a determined effort by the government to confront the challenges of food security and inflation head-on.