Kampala Hosts Uganda-South Sudan Business Forum to Boost Trade

The bustling city of Kampala is currently hosting the second Uganda-South Sudan Business Forum and Expo, a significant three-day event running from October 13th to 15th. This gathering serves as a crucial platform for delegates from both nations, including government representatives, diplomats, and private sector stakeholders, to convene and deliberate on strategies for strengthening economic ties.

Key objectives of the forum include identifying and dismantling trade barriers, cultivating robust business partnerships, and exploring avenues for enhanced economic cooperation between the two East African Community members. Uganda’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Brig. Ronnie Barya, highlighted the event’s importance in assessing current economic relations, pinpointing persistent challenges, and formulating practical solutions.

Brig. Barya emphasized that the forum is designed to enable the private sectors of both Uganda and South Sudan to review their achievements and obstacles, thereby uncovering new opportunities for business expansion and economic growth. He underscored the deep historical, diplomatic, and increasingly commercial links shared by the two countries, amplified by their EAC membership.

Major discussions are anticipated to revolve around streamlining cross-border trade, ensuring an enabling environment for traders to operate efficiently, and minimizing administrative and security-related impediments. The forum aims to establish business-to-business networks, facilitate knowledge sharing, raise awareness about investment prospects, and potentially establish a standing joint business forum.

South Sudan’s Ambassador to Uganda, Paul Malong, echoed the sentiment of shared prosperity and highlighted the growing significance of trade in the bilateral relationship, especially following South Sudan’s admission to the EAC. He noted that South Sudan remains a key export destination for Uganda, with Ugandan goods dominating markets in Juba.

Ambassador Malong also pointed to challenges faced by traders, such as issues with product standards and access to Ugandan manufacturers. He called for enhanced cooperation between the respective Bureaus of Standards and trade authorities to resolve these concerns. Digitalization efforts, including joint electronic permit systems by the revenue authorities of both nations, were also lauded as positive steps towards improved revenue collection and smoother trade.

The forum is expected to yield a joint communiqué with agreed resolutions, the formation of joint technical committees, and a clear roadmap with measurable targets to address border-related challenges, ultimately aiming for tangible progress in bilateral trade and cooperation.

Source: Nile Post