South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The Minister of Trade and Industry Atong Kuol Manyang, on Thursday promised to create enabling environment for businesses to flourish in the country.
Speaking during the opening of the two-day National Trade Forum in Juba, Kuol reiterated her ministry’s commitment to create and implement policies that would enhance the growth of businesses.
“In order for us to have a stable market, we need to ensure that every business, operates under the legal framework to ensure it functions within boundaries of law, complying with the regulations and laws that govern businesses,” Kuol said.
She pledged to work with regional trading blocs to boost intra-trade and promote economic growth and political cooperation.
“We will utilize the existing legal trade framework and, where necessary, introduce new ones in order to stabilize the market,” Kuol said, adding her office intends to reduce or eliminate non-tariff trade barriers like quotas, tariffs and other restrictions to boost trade.
She expressed optimism on the outcomes of the trade forum, which is expected to provide a clear, actionable recommendation to fully capitalize on the opportunities for South Sudan.
For his part, Onyoti Adigo Nyikech, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, said that some traders are not playing by the rules of the free market economy as they are charging exorbitant prices at the expense of the consumers.
“If I tell you now, I go to the market if you can answer this question of mine, I get my pen in one shop for 10,000 SSP and in another shop for 15,000 SSP and in another shop for 20,000 SSP,” Adigo said.
John Lual, Chamber of Commerce Deputy Chairperson raised deep concern on the multiple taxes imposed by various government institutions, adding that many businesses are shutting down due to the high cost of doing business.
“The high level of taxation is killing businesses and scaring off investors. Shops are being closed every day. I want to be clear,” Lual said.
Lual noted that South Sudan needs a unified taxation system, adding that local authorities insist on collecting taxes without proper regulations.
