(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster, Dr Benjamin Bol Mel, on Wednesday held talks with Ambassador Jamal Hassan Khalif of the Federal Republic of Somalia to strengthen bilateral and economic relations between the two countries.
The meeting, held in Juba, focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, and private sector development. Both sides agreed to develop a formal trade framework that would guide future engagements, promote institutional cooperation, and build investor confidence between South Sudan and Somalia.
According to the Vice President’s office, the proposed framework will encourage cross border investments, enhance regional connectivity, and promote the exchange of goods and services between the two nations. Officials noted that greater private sector collaboration could play a key role in creating jobs and accelerating growth in both economies.
Vice President Dr Bol Mel commended Ambassador Khalif’s commitment to advancing economic cooperation and called on Somali investors to take a more active role in South Sudan’s development. He urged them to go beyond commercial trade and invest directly in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, agribusiness, and logistics.
“The Government of President Salva Kiir Mayardit welcomes investors from all friendly nations to help build a resilient, diversified and inclusive economy for our people,” Dr Bol Mel said, reaffirming South Sudan’s openness to foreign investment partnerships.
Ambassador Khalif said Somalia was ready to strengthen cooperation with South Sudan in areas of shared economic interest, particularly in trade facilitation and infrastructure linkages that can support both nations’ private sectors.
The Economic Cluster office said the discussions are part of ongoing regional efforts to deepen economic integration among East African nations, promoting cross border trade and private sector led growth. The engagement also aligns with South Sudan’s drive to diversify its economy beyond oil and build stronger regional value chains, according to a statement from the Economic Cluster office.
| Area of Cooperation | Focus | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Trade and Investment | Formal trade framework between South Sudan and Somalia | Increased bilateral trade and investment confidence |
| Infrastructure | Improve transport and logistics links | Enhanced regional connectivity |
| Private Sector | Encourage Somali and South Sudanese investors | Job creation and industrial growth |
| Institutional Cooperation | Strengthen government and business relations | Sustainable and structured collaboration |
