Uganda hopes to increase her trade Volume with South Sudan in next month’s business forum.
This was revealed by Foreign Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary, Vincent Bagiire at the launch of the Uganda – South Sudan Business forum.
“The trade volume is $400m at the moment but we hope to raise it to $1bn,” Bagiire said at the launch in Kampala.
He adds that the main objective of this Joint Business Forum is to promote commercial and investment interests, improve the welfare of citizens and further bolster bilateral relations between Uganda and South Sudan.
The forum will take place on 19th and 20th July 2022
Uganda’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Brig Gen Ronnie Balya explained in detailed the purpose of the forum saying its meant to exploit opportunities between the two countries.
“The Joint Business Forum has the capacity to improve these already vibrant trade relations and increase revenue for both the public and private sector in the respective countries,” he said.
Amb Balya has also added that promoting commercial and investment interests will be done through connecting business stakeholders from both the private and public sector to engage in open trade and enhance investment opportunities.
South Sudan’s Ambassador to Uganda, Simon Duku Michael, challenged his countrymen and take advantage of the Forum.
The first of its kind, the South Sudan – Uganda Business Forum will be an interactive event that will engage both the public and private sectors of both countries through open discussion, information sharing and working sessions. The Forum will serve as a platform to explore new business opportunities and to address the challenges that affect trade and investment between Uganda and South Sudan in key sectors including Security, Energy and Mining, Agriculture, Education, Tourism, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Construction and ProfessionalServices.
South Sudan is blessed with abundant natural resources particularly vast water and mineral resources, oil and gas reserves, and wildlife, with a favourable equatorial climate with lots of rainfall.