(GENEVA) – South Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon Atong Kuol Manyang, has reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to becoming a full member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) during the Sixteenth United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD 16) held in Geneva, Switzerland.
Speaking at the high-level global meeting, which gathered trade ministers from around the world, Minister Manyang said South Sudan views WTO accession as a key pillar of its national economic growth plan. She noted that joining the organisation would help strengthen the country’s trade system, attract foreign investment, and expand its participation in the global marketplace.
Minister Manyang explained that the government is working to align domestic trade laws and regulations with international standards, adding that South Sudan is ready to meet the requirements set by the WTO. She said full membership would not only create new export opportunities but also promote transparency and investor confidence in the country’s business environment.
“Our presence at UNCTAD 16 shows our strong belief in multilateral cooperation,” said Minister Manyang. “We are working hard to complete the necessary reforms for WTO membership. This is not only about trade but about ensuring lasting economic stability and prosperity for our people through fair and predictable trading relations.”
The Minister also called for international support to ease the country’s accession process, noting that the global trading system benefits when emerging economies are fully included. She urged development partners and trade ministers to back South Sudan’s efforts as part of a broader push to integrate the world’s youngest nation into global trade networks.
South Sudan, which has been pursuing WTO membership since independence, hopes that joining the organisation will help diversify its economy beyond oil, increase exports of agricultural products, and encourage regional trade cooperation within East Africa.
| Key Economic Focus | Expected Impact of WTO Membership |
|---|---|
| Trade diversification | New export markets for agriculture and manufacturing |
| Investment attraction | Increased foreign direct investment inflows |
| Economic stability | Predictable trade policies and improved investor confidence |
| Regional integration | Stronger trade links within East Africa and COMESA |
At the conclusion of her address, Minister Manyang thanked the UNCTAD Secretariat and partner nations for their ongoing technical and diplomatic support in helping South Sudan move closer to WTO membership — a milestone expected to shape the country’s long term economic transformation.
