Trade ministry seeks UNOPS support to boost local products globally
By Aguok Chok
The Ministry of Trade and Industry has appealed to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for support enhance South Sudan’s products in regional and global markets.
In a meeting with the UNOPS Country representative on Wednesday, Minister Atong Kuol Manying highlighted three major areas where her ministry is seeking assistance, including the construction of modern border entry points to ease the movement of goods, strengthen customs operations, and improve the overall efficiency of cross-border trade.
“We are requesting UNOPS to assist us in developing modern, well-equipped border facilities that can streamline trade and support revenue collection,” Minister Atong said.
The second area is the establishment of modern laboratories to enhance the testing and certification of products, particularly fish, ensuring compliance with international quality standards.
Atong said the absence of such laboratories has limited the competitiveness of South Sudanese products in regional and global markets.
“We need modern laboratories with the right equipment for testing fish and other products. This will help us guarantee quality and build confidence in our exports,” she emphasized.
Lastly, she requested for the creation of a centralized database to improve efficiency, coordination, and data management within the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
“A comprehensive database system is very critical for decision-making and planning. It will allow us to keep accurate records and strengthen service delivery,” she explained.
The Minister underscored that all these initiatives are geared toward building institutional capacity and laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
The meeting, which was also attended by Directors General and other senior officials of the Ministry, provided a platform for the government to outline its immediate needs while deepening collaboration with UNOPS.
Minister Atong expressed gratitude to the UNOPS delegation for their continuous engagement with South Sudan.
“We appreciate the consistent support and cooperation from UNOPS. This partnership is very important for strengthening our institutions and improving trade services in the country,” she said.
She stressed that collaboration with development partners like UNOPS is vital in supporting South Sudan’s transition toward improved trade systems and infrastructure.
“Our priority is to build institutions and infrastructure that support trade and development. With the support of partners like UNOPS, we are confident that we can achieve these goals for the benefit of our people,” Atong stated.
On their part, the UNOPS delegation welcomed the requests and reaffirmed their readiness to work closely with the Ministry. They noted that UNOPS is committed to providing technical expertise and project management support in areas that align with South Sudan’s national priorities.
