Yei County Hosts Trade Minister for Talks on Industrial Investment

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The Commissioner of Yei River County, Emmanuel Taban Seme, together with the Central Equatoria State Minister for Trade and Industry, Stephen Ladu Onesimo, on Thursday received the National Minister for Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol Manyang and her delegation during an official visit to Yei.

The county commissioner welcomed the national minister and her team and thanked them for visiting the area. He said the visit was important for strengthening links between national leaders and communities at the local level. He described Yei River County as relatively calm and said this was due to continued cooperation between local leadership and residents.

Speaking during the reception, the national minister thanked the county leadership for the warm welcome and hospitality. She praised efforts by local authorities to maintain peace and stability.

She said the main aim of her visit was to assess the operations of Carnak South Sudan, a tobacco producing factory based in Yei River County.

The minister described Carnak South Sudan as one of the few industries currently operating in the country that is contributing to economic activity. She said the visit was intended to help the ministry better understand the challenges faced by the factory and to identify areas where government support could help improve operations and future growth.

After the meeting, Commissioner Emmanuel Taban led officials from both the national and state ministries of Trade and Industry to the Carnak South Sudan facility.

The delegation toured the factory and held discussions with the general manager, Jean Pierre Samputu. Talks focused on issues affecting production, logistics and possible expansion of the factory.

Carnak South Sudan began operations in January 2013 and currently employs more than 150 workers. About 90 per cent of the workforce are South Sudanese nationals, reflecting the factory’s role in creating jobs and supporting the local economy in Yei River County.

The Office of the Commissioner said it remains committed to supporting investors and promoting an environment that encourages industrial growth, peace and sustainable development in Yei River County.