JUBA – South Sudan and Saudi Arabia have signed a far-reaching trade agreement designed to strengthen economic cooperation and overhaul key trade infrastructure, following a high-level visit by Minister of Trade and Industry Atong Kuol Manyang to Riyadh.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Trade, the deal was concluded during a landmark bilateral meeting between Minister Atong and the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. Officials described the discussions as “particularly productive,” marking a significant step toward deepening economic ties between the two nations.
The agreement outlines a comprehensive plan to expand bilateral trade, stimulate investment, and reinforce cooperation across industry and commerce. It builds on the 2022 General Cooperation Agreement, which established a broad framework for collaboration in trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial development.
Government officials say the renewed partnership — backed by institutional coordination and technical support — raises confidence that newly proposed projects will be implemented effectively.
Among the major initiatives endorsed under the deal are transformative infrastructure projects intended to reshape the country’s trade environment.
These include the construction of a dry port to streamline imports and reduce logistical costs; an integrated industrial park to boost local manufacturing, add value to raw materials, and generate jobs; and a free-market zone offering incentives and simplified regulations to support exports and attract investors.
The ministry highlighted the initiatives as follows: “(I) Establishment of a Dry Port: A vital project aimed at reducing import costs and enhancing international trade efficiency. (II) Construction of an Industrial Park: A dedicated zone for manufacturing, job creation, and value addition to local raw materials. (III) Creation of a Free Market Zone: An area offering trade incentives and simplified procedures to boost exports and commerce.”
In addition to endorsing new projects, the ministers agreed to update a previous Memorandum of Understanding on trade cooperation to reflect South Sudan’s evolving economic priorities.
During her engagements in Riyadh and other global forums — including the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) summit and the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Conference — Minister Atong promoted South Sudan as an emerging destination for foreign investment, industrial expansion, and regional trade integration.
Government officials say her visit represents a major stride in advancing South Sudan’s industrial development agenda, strengthening international partnerships, and positioning the country as a serious contender in global investment markets.
Juba–Riyadh cooperation
The 2022 General Cooperation Agreement, consisting of nine articles, set the foundation for long-term economic collaboration across sectors such as industry, petroleum, minerals, agriculture, livestock, health, tourism, trade, and infrastructure.
It aimed to facilitate Saudi investment and institutional engagement in South Sudan through joint ventures, technical cooperation, knowledge exchange, and trade partnerships. The agreement also provided for the establishment of joint technical committees to coordinate and operationalize cooperation efforts — particularly those related to trade, investment, industrial development, and infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia has expressed growing interest in the partnership, with both governmental institutions and private investors eyeing opportunities in South Sudan. Sectors attracting attention include agriculture, infrastructure development, and free economic zones.
Some Saudi business leaders have gone further, describing South Sudan as a promising entry point for economic expansion into African markets — a view the new trade agreement appears poised to reinforce.
