UAE investors warm up for South Sudan market after Kiir’s visit
The national minister of wildlife, conservation, and tourism, Rizik Zachariah Hassan, has revealed that investors from the United Arab Emirates have demonstrated an interest in investing in the country.
In his meeting with President Salva Kiir Mayardit yesterday, Mr Hassan noted that the investors would explore various opportunities in the country in various sectors.
“President of the Republic met in his office with the Minister of Wild Life, Conservation and Tourism Hon. Rizik Zachariah Hassan briefed him on the companies from the United Arab Emirates that have shown interest in coming and investing in South Sudan in various fields following the participation of President Salva Kiir Mayardit in Dubai Expo 2020, “the statement from the office of the president read.
The wildlife minister said the Royal Bureau for Investment had presented a letter of intent to carry out business in the country.
Rizik Zachariah Hassan said they met with Royal Bureau for Investment, and they have presented their letter of intent to do business with South Sudan,” the statement concluded.
Kiir’s visit vital
Last month, President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s spokesperson, Ateny Wek Ateny, told the City Review that the call by the president was a great opportunity for the investors but also crucial for the citizens to earn employment.
“It (The 2020 Expo) could have been attended by the ministers of investment, culture, and trade, but the president went there himself with the weight of the Head of State to convince the investors to come to the country,” Ateny said.
“Our laws require that any investor that comes to South Sudan must at least have a junior partner as a South Sudanese. So, it will provide a significant opportunity for our people with at least a small percentage of 1 to 10 per cent of locals getting employed and running those companies, “Ateny stated.
He emphasised that investors would control administration and finances as long as citizens had access to job opportunities.
Ateny noted that investors from the UAE will invest in the energy sector, agriculture, animal husbandry, and wildlife conservation.
“The wild animals are for tourism and livestock. We can even export fresh meat to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates because we have a lot of cattle, “Ateny said.
President’s invitation
President Kiir invited investors from the United Arab Emirates into the country during his visit to the United Arab Emirates to Dubai Expo 2020, last month.
“Our game reserves are home to some of the greatest mammals in Africa when this is added to the vast agricultural land along with our abundant minerals. It is clear that we are a country of diverse potential,’’ President Kiir said.
“All we need now in South Sudan are investors in agriculture and tourism fields,” he added.
Sheikh Mubarak, pledged his government’s support to bolster bilateral relations between the two countries.
“We are determined to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise with South Sudan across various areas of shared interest, such as education, bilateral trade, and government modernization,” Sheikh Mubarak said.
