Uganda and South Sudan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Trade to strengthen economic ties and unlock regional market opportunities. The agreement was reached during the 2nd Uganda-South Sudan Business Forum and Exhibition in Kampala, which aimed to translate years of political and economic ties into concrete trade and investment gains. The forum was organized by the Embassy of Uganda in South Sudan and Uganda's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.
The MOU provides a framework for sustained engagement, improved market access, and private-sector partnerships between the two countries. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Regional Cooperation), Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, officially opened the meeting, urging both sides to translate the engagements into tangible business partnerships and increased cross-border trade. South Sudan's Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Labanya Margaret Mathya Ugila, led a delegation to the forum and reaffirmed the importance of Uganda-South Sudan trade in advancing economic development and strengthening longstanding ties.
Uganda's Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, David Bahati, emphasized the need for balanced trade and local production. He noted that Uganda's exports to South Sudan stood at $524 million, while South Sudan's exports to Uganda were only $22 million. Bahati called for import substitution, export promotion, and increased trade in goods made within the two countries. He also highlighted Uganda's iron-ore reserves and the need for substantial energy capacity to support local steel production and wider industrialization.
Bahati identified several barriers to cross-border trade, including e-permit delays, repeated cargo checks, multiple checkpoints, unofficial charges, and inconsistent clearance procedures. He called for greater transparency in the e-permit process and better coordination at the border. The MOU is expected to lead to practical results, including reduced trade barriers, realized investments, new businesses, and jobs.
The forum was held under the theme "Easing the Cost of Doing Business and Unlocking Regional Market Opportunities for Uganda and South Sudan." It brought together business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from both countries to discuss ways to enhance trade and investment. The MOU is seen as a step towards strengthening economic ties between Uganda and South Sudan.
South Sudan's Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Labanya Margaret Mathya Ugila, emphasized the need for closer cooperation on product quality, certification, and standards. She also highlighted the private sector's role in job creation and growth. The two countries aim to increase trade and investment, and the MOU is expected to facilitate this process.
The signing of the MOU is a significant step towards enhancing economic cooperation between Uganda and South Sudan. The two countries have pledged to work together to address trade barriers and unlock regional market opportunities. The agreement is expected to lead to increased trade, investment, and economic growth in the region.
Key points
- Uganda and South Sudan have signed a trade MOU to enhance market access and private-sector partnerships.
- The MOU aims to address trade imbalances and ease cross-border commerce between the two countries.
- The agreement is expected to lead to increased trade, investment, and economic growth in the region.
