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Juba – Al-Wadi Newspaper
Discussions at the Global Transport and Logistics Conference, which concluded today in Juba, went beyond river transport to address the obstacles facing South Sudan’s integration into the East African Community, particularly those related to freedom of establishment, the movement of capital and investment.
Taban Deng said South Sudan’s accession to the East African Community was expected to contribute to greater equality among citizens of member states. However, he noted that obstacles remain for South Sudanese investors and businesspeople seeking to operate in neighbouring countries.
He questioned how easy it is for a South Sudanese businessperson to establish a company in Kampala or Nairobi compared with the ease with which companies and investors from neighbouring countries can enter the South Sudanese market.
He called for the development of harmonised policies and legislation to ensure fair competition and remove barriers to investment and the movement of businesses within the Community.
Roads: The Oil-for-Infrastructure Model
On the issue of roads, Vice President Taban Deng criticised the low level of investment in South Sudan’s transport networks compared with the progress achieved in some East African countries.
At the same time, he praised the “oil-for-roads” project, which contributed to the construction of the Juba–Bor road, describing it as a model that could be built upon to develop vital road networks and connect local communities with the capital.
He called for the approach to be expanded to include the Juba Corridor and the Nimule Corridor, describing them as two of the country’s most important commercial and strategic routes.
