SOUTH SUDAN: Trade Minister Meets Business Leaders Over Mombasa Port Crisis

By Debora Akur Chol, South Sudan

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang, convened a high-level meeting with key business leaders and stakeholders in Juba today to address the escalating trade crisis affecting South Sudanese importers at the Mombasa Port.

The meeting brought together prominent figures including Hon. Ladu Lukak, Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce; Hon. Ustaz Yel Luol Koor, Undersecretary for the Ministry of Trade and Industry; Hon. Simon Nyang, Technical Advisor; as well as representatives from multiple clearance and forwarding agencies.

Speaking on behalf of the business community, Hon. Ladu Lukak praised the Minister for taking timely action to confront the growing concerns of traders. He urged increased coordination among the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the Ministry of Transport, and the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) to expedite solutions regarding transporters, shipping lines, and forwarding and clearance agents.

Minister Atong expressed deep concern over the situation facing South Sudanese traders, many of whose goods remain impounded. She reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to urgent intervention, stating:

“As the concerned Ministry, we must call for urgent measures to ensure that we arrive at concrete solutions.”

A key highlight of the meeting was the Minister’s confirmation of the government’s decision to abolish the $3,850 container tracking fee, commonly known as the One-Time Password (OTP) fee. She further pledged to raise wider issues related to taxes and levies with the Minister of Finance and Planning and the Minister of Transport.

Minister Atong also acknowledged the need to address the illegal charges identified by the Chairperson of the Specialist Committee on Trade in the National Legislative Assembly.

In her closing remarks, Honourable Atong Kuol disclosed that she had already briefed the Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Dr James Wani Igga, on the gravity of the challenges affecting traders. She announced that a committee will be formed immediately to review tax levies in line with the Financial Act of South Sudan. Additionally, the Minister committed to conducting a nationwide tour to inspect all major trade corridors and commercial hubs.