Lawmaker appeals for strong leadership at trade ministry to fight economic crisis

By Aguok Chok

The Chairperson of Trade and Industry in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, Eng. Mayen Deng Alier has called on the new Undersecretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Achier Manyuat John, to provide strong leadership and continuity as the nation approaches a politically sensitive period.

He was speaking at the reception of the new undersecretary to the ministry yesterday.

Mayen said he was optimistic over Manyuat, citing excellent work while he was administrator at St. Lawrence Schools.

“If you can manage both the human resource and the financial resource of St. Lawrence schools… then I believe you can manage this ministry,” he said.

Mayen emphasized the importance of people and financial management,“If you can manage two things properly, you can be a good leader. If you can manage money, and if you can manage people.”

He also highlighted the challenges in public decision-making in South Sudan, describing it as “an art” and a process of learning through mistakes.

“There must be human resources, and this human resource must be motivated,” he added.

Raising concerns over financial discrepancies, he pointed to outdated implementation practices at the airport.

“There was a ministerial order claiming that if you import things without an import license, you will be charged 80%,” he said, noting that the approved rate in the current law is 20%. “The signature of the President supersedes another signature.”

He stressed the potential revenue from trade activities. “To the best of my knowledge, it is supposed to be over 75 million a day… We should be around 18 billion in a year.”

On policy, he referred to the recent trade conference held in Juba, which produced 17 resolutions.

“As a good student of public policy, I believe the 17 resolutions can generate 17 concept notes,” he suggested, urging the Undersecretary to support their implementation fully.

“Let it not be like other conferences. We end it, and nothing happens.”

Also, Mayen made a strong appeal for the staff welfare, urging the undersecretary to protect his staff, especially those serving at the gate.

He encouraged collaboration with other stakeholders and the business community, stating, “Promote the trade and industry affairs. Make sure you work with other stakeholders.”

Reaffirming his commitment to oversight and accountability, he warned, “If things are not good, I will make noise and take you to the court of public opinion.”

 “I commit myself to support you and the Minister and the team at the Ministry.

However, the lawmaker hailed the outgoing undersecretary for his hard work and the achievements he attained.