Minister Atong Kuol Manyang (photo: the Ministry press unit)
By Lodu William Odiya
The Minister of Trade and Industry Atong Kuol Manyang has called on the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support the development of a policy framework aimed at promoting enterprises.
The minister reiterated that having a policy that supports Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will contribute to economic stability.
Manyang reiterated that diversifying the nation’s economy required partnership between the government and the partners.
According to a statement issued by the press unit, the framework would help increase productivity and support local industries, aligning with the resolutions of the first National Trade Forum.
The statement stated that Minister Atong Kuol Manyang’s remarks followed a meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), led by the Country Director, to discuss future projects and support.
The meeting, attended by Undersecretary Hon. Ustaz Yel Luol Koor and other ministry officials, focused on reviewing current project proposals and identifying key areas for collaboration.
The statement emphasized Minister Atong expressed her gratitude for the long-standing partnership between the UNDP and South Sudan, highlighting the positive impact of UNDP-funded projects.
She specifically requested the organization’s assistance in developing a policy framework aimed at promoting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and diversifying the nation’s economy.
It also stated the minister asked the UNDP to provide support for capacity building within the ministry.
Meanwhile, the Undersecretary, Ustaz Yel Luol Koor, requested the UNDP’s help in establishing a database management system to effectively track the country’s imports and exports.
According to the statement, the UNDP Country Director praised the ministry’s efforts and pledged to support its capacity-building initiatives, which he described as central to the UNDP’s mission.
He acknowledged the challenges of securing funding due to a global financial crisis and the situation in South Sudan but affirmed his commitment to advocating for development projects on behalf of the young nation to donor partners.