(JUBA) – The Minister of Trade and Industry of South Sudan, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk, returned to Juba on 26 November 2025 after a series of high level international visits to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Nairobi, Kenya. The Minister’s itinerary included participation in major global economic and development forums, notably the United Nations Industrial Development Organization Conference and the Least Developed Countries Conference.
During her visit to Riyadh, Minister Atong led the South Sudanese delegation in a bilateral meeting with the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. The discussions focused on securing support for transformative development projects aimed at boosting South Sudan’s economic infrastructure and attracting foreign direct investment.
Major initiatives discussed included:
| Project | Objective | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Port | Streamline logistics, reduce import costs | Facilitate international trade and efficiency |
| Industrial Park | Dedicated manufacturing zone | Job creation and value addition to local raw materials |
| Free Market Zone | Trade incentives and simplified regulations | Boost exports and commerce |
The Ministers also reviewed the previous Memorandum of Understanding on Trade and Industrial Cooperation between the two nations. They emphasised the need to update the framework to reflect current economic goals and ensure implementable strategies for long term collaboration.
According to the Trade Ministry press release, Atong’s successful engagements represent a significant step in strengthening South Sudan’s economic relations with international partners and advancing the nation’s industrial development agenda. These initiatives are expected to attract investment, create jobs and enhance the country’s trade infrastructure.
South Sudan Seeks Trade Investment in Saudi Arabia
| Location | Date | Key Meetings/Events | Initiatives Discussed | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | November 2025 | Bilateral meeting with Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources | 1. Dry Port
2. Industrial Park 3. Free Market Zone |
Streamlined logistics, reduced import costs, job creation, value addition to raw materials, boost exports and trade |
| Nairobi, Kenya | November 2025 | Participation in UNIDO Conference and LDC Conference | Economic and industrial development discussions | Strengthen international partnerships, attract foreign investment |
| Juba, South Sudan | 26 November 2025 | Return and debrief | Implementation planning and follow-up on agreements | Advance industrial development agenda, enhance trade infrastructure, improve economic growth |