South Sudan Steps Up Efforts to Join World Trade Organisation

(GENEVA) – South Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon Atong Kuol Manyang, has said that South Sudan is working hard to become a full member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

She made the remarks while speaking at the Sixteenth United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD 16) held in Geneva, Switzerland.

The meeting brought together trade ministers from across the world to discuss global trade and development.

Manyang said joining the WTO is very important for South Sudan’s future because it will help the country grow its economy, attract investors and create more business opportunities.

She explained that the government is making progress in changing trade laws and systems to meet international standards. These steps, she said, will help South Sudan benefit from fairer trade rules and stronger links with other countries.

“Our presence at UNCTAD 16 shows our strong belief in working together with others,” Minister Manyang said. “We are completing the necessary reforms to become part of the WTO. This is not only about trade, but about ensuring a more stable and prosperous future for our people.”

The Minister called on the international community to support South Sudan in its efforts to join the WTO, saying cooperation among countries is key to helping new and developing nations succeed.

WTO membership would open new markets for South Sudan’s products, especially in agriculture. It would also make the business environment more stable and predictable, and encourage more investment.

At the end of her speech, Minister Manyang thanked the UNCTAD Secretariat and partner countries for their support in helping South Sudan move closer to WTO membership. She said the government is determined to continue its reform efforts until the country fully joins the global trade organisation.