European Union flag. Photo by EU website
JUBA – The European Union has invested €4.8 million to supports developing fruit and vegetable value chains in South Sudan in a bid to increase young people and women’s participation in economic activity and provide jobs.
The project funded by the European Union will increase the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the sector.
Speaking at the occasion, Agak Achuil, First Undersecretary for Trade and Industry, said “This project is one among many other important projects that benefited from EU funding in the country and the Ministry will do all that is possible within its jurisdiction to ensure a successful implementation of the project.”
Christian Bader, Ambassador of the European Delegation to South Sudan said expressed his happiness to launch the project in very timely manner.
“Investment in modern agriculture could contribute significantly to poverty alleviation and food security, and boost income and jobs generation in a moment where once again the people of South Sudan is facing a possible famine crisis,” Badder said.
Ashish Shah, ITC Director of Country Programs said he is honored to provide technical support to the government and private sector where the need for economic and trade development is felt the most.
“ITC will deliver the needed support to enable MSMEs to develop their operational capacities and business performance, to provide employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth and women as well as improve capacities of business development services,” Shah stated.
Mary Gordon Muortat, Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards said: “The project provides an opportunity to improve the quality and food safety compliance capacities both at the level of institutions and operators along with the fruits and vegetable value chains.
“It will train advisers on Quality and food Safety and assist MSMEs in the fruits and vegetable value chains for compliance with market-relevant standards,” Gordon stated. - Sudans Post
