President Salva Kiir has directed the newly appointed Minister of Trade and Industry, Joseph Moum Majak, to prioritize the empowerment of local traders.

He issued the directive on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony of Minister Majak and newly appointed Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Governor Simon Uber Ajongo Mawut.

The president emphasized the importance of supporting indigenous traders, saying it was crucial in stimulating economic growth.

“You empower the indigenous people, if there is any way that you can empower Indigenous traders you do it,” President Kiir directed while highlighting his administration’s commitment to promoting local economic actors.

He also underscored the importance of placing national interests above personal gain and urged the newly appointed officials to focus on policies that benefit the broader population.

On his part, Minister Moum pledged to collaborate closely with economic institutions to implement strategies aimed at tackling inflation and restoring economic stability.

“I am committed to working diligently to promote economic growth and to collaborating with you, Your Excellency, and the rest of the government institutions in achieving our shared goal, to contribute to the prosperity of South Sudan,” he said.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry plays a crucial role in regulating markets, ensuring fair competition among enterprises, and safeguarding consumer rights against exploitation. Recent incidents, such as the impounding of trucks transporting salted fish to the Democratic Republic of Congo by Ugandan authorities, have highlighted vulnerabilities faced by South Sudanese traders.