(JUBA) – The National Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang, has returned to South Sudan after attending a series of major international business and economic forums aimed at strengthening trade partnerships and investment ties.
According to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Hon. Atong represented South Sudan at the Turkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum and later took part in the Sixteenth Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD 16) in Geneva.
The Turkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum was held under the theme “Navigating Global Economic Uncertainty: Strengthening Turkey-Africa Partnership.” The meeting brought together senior government officials, investors, and business leaders from across Africa and Turkey to explore new opportunities in trade, investment, and industrial growth.
The Minister’s participation focused on promoting South Sudan as an emerging destination for investment and highlighting the country’s ongoing reforms in trade regulation and private sector development. Discussions also touched on improving infrastructure, market access, and technology exchange between African nations and global partners.
At UNCTAD 16 in Geneva, Hon. Atong joined world trade ministers and policymakers to discuss global economic trends, sustainable growth, and fair trade systems that support developing countries. The meeting aimed to find practical ways for developing economies, including South Sudan, to benefit from international trade and reduce economic inequality.
Analysts quoted by Jakony.com, South Sudan’s largest business news portal, said the Minister’s participation in these high level meetings reflects the country’s growing involvement in global economic discussions and its effort to attract credible investors to key sectors such as oil, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry said the meetings also provided South Sudan with an opportunity to learn from other countries’ trade experiences and build stronger relationships with international partners committed to Africa’s economic transformation.
The government has been encouraging the private sector to take advantage of South Sudan’s improving trade policies and growing international engagement to expand exports and create new business opportunities.
| Event | Location | Theme / Focus | Key Outcome for South Sudan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum | Istanbul, Turkiye | Strengthening trade partnerships | Promoting investment opportunities |
| UNCTAD 16 | Geneva, Switzerland | Global economic fairness and sustainable growth | Building global trade cooperation and visibility |
The Ministry described Hon. Atong’s return as timely, saying the insights gained from both forums will help inform policy discussions aimed at diversifying South Sudan’s economy and integrating it further into global markets.