Business tycoon Ayii Duang urges traders to lower process

JUBA – South Sudan’s prominent business tycoon and head of the country’s business community, Ayii Duang Ayii, has called on local traders to reduce prices of essential goods.

Speaking during a press conference in Juba on Tuesday, Duang expressed concern that food and commodity prices have not decreased despite the positive currency shift.

“South Sudan Business Union, we are calling on traders, both national and foreigners, to reduce prices of commodities in the market, the exchange rate for the dollar is now reduced, there is no need to keep prices up,” he stated.

Duang urged the government to prioritize investment in agriculture to boost local production and address food affordability.

“With little resources, the government needs to shift focus from roads, airport and other development to agriculture…we must produce food to move out of this crisis,” he said.

He emphasized that economic diversification through local production is crucial.

“With peace and stability, we cannot depend on oil, and we request the government…to open ways for support of agriculture so that citizens can cultivate…we will be supplying our markets and also export,” Duang added.

The Business Community announced plans to conduct joint market inspections with security officials to enforce price reductions.

“…The business community in collaboration with security operatives will soon inspect the market to check on the prices…with a reduction in exchange rate fuel and food, including wholesale, must reduce prices.”

This call comes amid public outcry over the high cost of basic necessities, exacerbated by the country’s economic situation. South Sudan relies heavily on imported goods from neighboring countries.