Trade Minister Opens First National Forum on Private Sector Challenges
Salamatu Y. Kamara Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang, Minister of Trade and Industry, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, inaugurated the First Session of the 1st National Trade Forum.
The forum, themed “Understanding Private Sector Challenges and Solutions on Matters that Affect the Business Environment for Sustainable Consultation,” aims to identify solutions to issues impacting business and trade through collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The opening session was attended by several government officials, including Hon Dr. Joseph Geng Akec, Minister for Youth and Sports; Hon Onyoti Adigo, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries; Hon Mangar Buong Alunge, Deputy Minister for Interior; Hon Simon Akuei Deng, Commissioner General for National Revenue Authority; Hon Kawaja Kau Madol, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry; Hon Adv Beny Giedon Mabor, Undersecretary of the Ministry for East Africa Affairs; Hon Gen Kuol Deng Kuol, Undersecretary for the Ministry of Defense; Hon Simon Nyang, Technical Advisor of the Ministry of Trade and Industry; and Hon Gloria Nyoka, Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards.
Speaking to the attendees, Hon. Atong Kuol expressed her appreciation and officially opened the forum on behalf of H.E. Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, Vice President and Chairperson for the Economic Cluster. She emphasized the critical role of trade as the backbone of the economy and the private sector as its strength.
Hon. Kawaja Kau Madol, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, commended the Minister’s leadership and highlighted the government’s crucial role in creating a stable environment, fostering competition, and providing necessary infrastructure for the private sector to flourish. He noted that the government also directly supports private sector development through financial incentives, regulatory reforms, and partnerships.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry, as the lead advisory agency, is responsible for formulating policies that promote the growth of both domestic and foreign trade. The forum is intended to serve as a platform for brainstorming solutions to the challenges faced by the business community.