(JUBA) – The Ministry of Trade and Industry in South Sudan has strengthened its cooperation with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization following a high level meeting in Juba focused on trade regulation, food safety systems and agricultural market development.
The meeting held on 11 June 2026 brought together Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Labanya Margaret Mathya and the country representative of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Discussions focused on improving the implementation of key trade and agriculture related projects and addressing existing policy and operational gaps.
Key areas reviewed included the Non Tariff Barriers Act, training on sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and the private sector development strategy. These frameworks are intended to improve trade compliance, strengthen food safety controls and support business growth across agricultural value chains.
The meeting also assessed ongoing joint initiatives between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. These include support for the development of Juba Market and broader efforts aimed at improving food safety standards and trade infrastructure in South Sudan.
Minister Dr Labanya Margaret Mathya expressed appreciation for continued support from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and its partners, including the National Bureau of Standards. She said the cooperation has played a role in strengthening food safety systems and improving oversight of imports and exports.
She added that stronger food safety and trade controls are important for protecting consumers, improving market confidence and supporting South Sudan’s efforts to expand trade opportunities both domestically and internationally.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Country Representative Felix Dzvurumi reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting agriculture development, agribusiness growth and food safety programmes in South Sudan.
He said these priorities continue to guide cooperation between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Agriculture, particularly in areas linked to market access, value chain development and compliance with international standards.
Mr Dzvurumi noted that closer coordination between the two ministries is essential for improving agricultural productivity and strengthening the country’s trade environment. He said this approach is expected to support both farmers and traders by improving access to safer and more reliable markets.
Both sides emphasised the importance of continued partnership in implementing regulatory reforms and strengthening institutional capacity in trade and agriculture sectors.