Cross-border trade important for South Sudan: diplomat

File photo: South Sudanese Ambassador to Khartoum Mayen Dut Wol

South Sudanese Ambassador to Khartoum, Mayen Dut Wol, says reactivation of cross-border trade between Sudan and South Sudan is important, saying that about 98% of South Sudanese revenue from its oil came through Sudan.

 South Sudanese Ambassador to Khartoum, Mayen Dut Wol, says reactivation of cross-border trade between Sudan and South Sudan is important, saying that about 98% of South Sudanese revenue from its oil came through Sudan.

In a press statement on Saturday in Khartoum, Dut said that about 40% of the South Sudanese population live along the borders with Sudan and it was paramount to allow trade between the two countries through the 2012 cooperation agreement.

Dut pointed out that that the two countries have signed a number of agreements allowing Sudan to export 54 different goods to South Sudan, adding that Sudan also expects to import more than one hundred, through five routes including roads, river and air.

Sudan and South Sudan after a recent visit of South Sudanese government delegation to Khartoum signed an agreement opening up cross-border trade. But local governments in the border states said the agreement is yet to be implemented.