South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s recent trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) focused on promoting Arab investment in South Sudan.
Speaking to reporters after the trip on Wednesday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Mayiik Ayii Deng who accompanied the president said the trip demonstrates Kiir’s mission to tackle poverty by engaging different countries to invest in the country.
“President Kiir will engage countries worldwide to bring investment to help south Sudanese emerge from war into sustained broad-based and inclusive economic growth,” minister Ayii said. “Countries like the UAE and others are expressing interest in providing such investment.”
He noted that for investors to come into the country a lot needs to be done within the country. He said the government and the South Sudanese business community must create a conducive environment for international investment.
“South Sudan must ensure that any dollar invested from outside or within receive respect and care so that investors know we are a place and people of integrity, where they are protected,” Ayii added. “Therefore, our culture and the rule of law must function together to safeguard the interest of investors and the ordinary citizens of the Republic of South Sudan.”
He added, “The president explained that South Sudan is a gateway to Africa for the gulf countries. South Sudan speaks both Arabic and English and investment is coming to Africa and we are closer also to the centers of population in Africa. We are just a few minutes away from Ethiopia with 100 million people, 50 million in Kenya and 40 million-plus in Uganda, and 50 million in Sudan. So we are the ideal location.”
Ayii pointed out that the president is committed to fighting poverty which he says ‘makes youth take arms against their brothers and sisters’. He adds that fighting poverty means ‘creating conditions where every man, woman, and child is free to explore their full potential.
President Kiir and a high-level delegation traveled to the UAE on Friday last week and attended the Dubai Expo 2020.
Insecurity and political instability in the country since 2013, have discouraged several investors from tapping into the immense investment opportunities in the country.