Kiir calls for foreign investment in South Sudan’s mineral deposits
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June 26, 2013 (JUBA) - South Sudan president Salva Kiir Mayardit,
currently concluding a three-day state visit to Botswana, has called
for foreign investment to develop the country’s potential mineral
deposits, apparently to reduce dependence on oil.
President Kiir, according to the statement seen by Sudan Tribune on
Wednesday visited Botswana in response to the invitation extended to
him by his host, President Ian Khama.
The visit is expected to strengthen and deepen cooperation between the
two countries. The two leaders on Tuesday held officials talks on
bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Botswana is one of the first countries to establish diplomatic
relations with South Sudan following independence in July 2011.
Speaking at the official meeting, Kiir reportedly called on the
Botswana government to encourage business groups to consider pursuing
investment opportunities in his country, saying there were a lot of
opportunities in all sectors of the economy.
“We are a young nation with a lot of investment opportunities for
Botswana business communities. I have come with sincere greetings from
our people and the government. I have come personally to convey to you
our happiness and to appreciate the role the people of Botswana and
your government had played during our years of struggle. You were one
of the few friends who stood with us and remain standing with until
today. Because of these strong relations, I encouraged you consider
South Sudan as not only the investment destination but also your
home”, Kiir told the crowd in a speech at a school in Botswana.
He commended the Botswana government for building the school, saying
it would serve as a motivation to him and his government.
“I want to take this opportunity to encourage the children of Botswana
and specifically the students of today to take education seriously,”
he said. He said education was an opportunity that should never be
taken for granted and urged students to utilise it.
Kiiir said a whole generation of his countrymen and women were denied
the opportunity to go to school due to war.
“Most of our people were forced to learn under trees and for that
reason, education is one of our top priorities in the country. We long
to see our children have many opportunities as any other child in
Botswana or Japan or America,” he said.
The president expressed eagerness to learn from the experiences of
Botswana’s government and people in order for his country to be able
to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of education.
“In 14 days, we will celebrate our second independence day. Being an
independent nation is a source of pride; however, we remain mindful
that it is not easy to build a nation. We are eager to learn from the
experiences of our brothers and sisters so that we adopt the best
practices in our drive to develop our country”, he said in a speech
broadcast by the state run-South Sudan Television on Tuesday.
Meanwhile South Sudanese Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry,
Garang Diing Akuong, said his country wants to diversify the economy
and reduce dependency on oil revenues by encouraging investment in
other sectors.
South Sudan, according to Minister Akuong, has potential in non-oil
sectors which the government has decided to focus in order to achieve
long term sustainable growth.
“We have resource in abundance and entrepreneurial opportunities are
immeasurable. This is suitable time providing opportunities for them
to be exploited and create wealth and jobs. Our economy is starting
with incredible opportunity for business people to invest”, he said
With an estimation of over 13 million heads of cattle and abundant
fertile soil, Akuong further added that agriculture and agri-business
were among the lucrative investment sectors that could be harnessed
into profitable businesses.
“Abundant land, water and massive unmet local and regional demand
creates opportunities in all areas of agriculture, forestry and
fisheries”, he said.
This combination, according to the minister, also in a statement
broadcast by state television, create commercial opportunities in a
wide range of crops including but not limited to cereals, oil seeds,
sugar, horticulture, coffee, tea and other specialty crops such as
gum.
He said other sectors, which could be exploited included mining,
energy and electricity as well as petroleum and gas industries.
According to him, most of South Sudan’s mineral wealth has not yet
been tapped.
“Currently, it is believed that less than 50 per cent of suspected oil
reserves in South Sudan are yet to be exploited”, he said.
The official stated that there were also other minerals deposits such
as gold, iron, copper, zinc, limestone and marble.
“I encourage those who have a proven track record in the mining
industry to come and invest in South Sudan."
Botswana Minister of Trade and Industry, Dorcas Makgato-Malesu, seen
speaking at a meeting in with minister Akuong, which was also
broadcast by the South Sudan Television said a strong partnership
between her country in private sector and the new nation would
culminate in immense benefit for the two countries.
“I am aware that it is also in your best interest to see business
relationships growing between South Sudan and Botswana and I am
confident that after this session, we will see those business
partnerships being established by some of the companies”, she said.
(ST)
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