By Larco Lomayat
Juba, South Sudan,
April 20, 2019(Nyamilepedia) — The delegation of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan led by Hon. Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, Minister of Finance and Planning, comprising of senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and Planning and the Central Bank of South Sudan who arrived in the Washington DC, United States of America on April 7, 2019 has on April 14, concluded various multilateral and bilateral meetings at the sidelines of 2019 Spring Meetings of International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG).
According to Hon. Mabiordit, Minister of Finance and Planning and the delegation’s team leader, he said the delegation had successful engagements with relevant officials representing various departments in the IMF and the WBG, including at senior level officials, such as the meeting with the Africa Regional Vice President, World Bank Group (AFRVP), Mr. Hafez Ghanem.
The delegation also had bilateral meetings with senior officials from the US – State Department and USAID together, as well as representatives of other countries to the International Monetary Fund and World Bank such as Ms. Anne Kabagambe, Executive Director, Africa Group 1, world Bank Group, Mr. Erik Bethel, Executive Director for USA, Mr. de Villeroché, Exceptive Director for France, Mr. Yingming Yang, Executive Director for China, Mr. Kato, Senior Vice President, JICA and Mr. Dag-Inge Ulstein, International Development Minister, Norway, Minister of Finance of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Dr. Mohammed Maait and many others.
The delegation briefed the IMF, the WBG and State Department representatives on the current status of South Sudanese economy and the process of the Revitalized Peace Agreement including the reform and revitalization agenda, which is now a top priority for the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU), the humanitarian situation in the country and the urgent need to reactivate and where possible, initiate developmental projects in the country since there is peace in the country.
While acknowledging the challenges facing Republic of South Sudan, the IMF and the WGB appreciated the economic measures and reform programs currently pursued by the Ministry of Finance and Planning and the Bank of South Sudan. The two institutions further committed to continue to provide Technical Assistance to enable the Ministry and Bank of South Sudan deliver in their reform agenda.
The meetings held by Hon. Mabiordit and the delegation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) delegation led by Mr. Hiroshi Kato, Senior Vice President was very important. Mr. Kato promised to continue supporting the Government of South Sudan in various programs.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been supporting developmental projects in South Sudan since before the Independence of South Sudan in 2011. JICA has worked in partnerships with the Government of South Sudan for the peace and development of the country to promote inclusive and dynamic development for peace and unity, JICA is implementing its programs in four focus areas in South Sudan which includes “Improvement of basic economy and social infrastructure, Development of alternative industries, Improvement of basic living and livelihood Strengthening governance and security”.
JICA projects in South Sudan includes
• Construction of “Freedom Bridge”
• Improvement of Water Supply System of Juba
• Management Capacity Enhancement of SSUWC Phase 2
• Capacity Development on Solid Waste Management
• Comprehensive Agricultural Development Master Plan
• Irrigation Development Master Plan
• Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion
• Basic Skills & Vocational Training
• Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education
• Knowledge Co-Creation Program and A B E
• Capacity Development of SSTV and Radio –
• Capacity Development of South Sudan Customs Services for Introduction of a Harmonized System Code
• Peace and Unity through S ports
• Support to Gender.
The Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund each year bring together central bankers, ministers of finance and development, private sector executives, and academics to discuss issues of global concern, including the world economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development, and aid effectiveness. Also featured are seminars, regional briefings, press conferences, and many other events focused on the global economy, international development, and the world’s financial system. This year’s Spring Meetings events took place in Washington, DC, from April 17-23, 2017.
The members of the delegation headed by Mabiordit are comprised of; The Governor of Central Bank of South Sudan, Hon. Dier Tong Ngor, MP, SSTLA, The Managing Director of Ebony Center, Hon. Dr. Lual Achiek Deng, Undersecretary of Planning, MoF&P, Hon. Ocum Genes Karlo, Chairperson of DDRC, Hon. William Deng Deng, DG Macroeconomics Planning and Air Coordinatio, Mr. Moses Mabior Deu, Director for Aid Coordination, Mr. Arop Nuoi Arop, Minister’s Executive Director, Mr. Ajak Athuai Akoon, inister’s Private Secretary, Mr. Machok Deng Atak, Media, Mr. Valentino Kulang Nhial Mageer, D/Director for Research and Statistics, BSS, Mr. Charles Abugo Joseph, Policy Coordination Governor’s office, BSS, Mr. Ngong Mayen Anyieth, D/Director for Budget, Mr. Angelo Deng Rehan, S/Inspector of Budget, Mr. Bol Yor Deng.
The delegation was joined in all the meetings by H. E. Amb. Philp Jada Natana, Head of Mission at the South Sudan Embassy to the United States of America, based in Washington DC.
All the meetings and events of 2019 spring meetings of IMF and World Bank Groups for the South Sudan delegation were coordinated and organized by Mr. Abraham Diing Akoi, Advisor to the Executive Director, Africa Group 1, World Bank Group and Mr. James Alic Garang, Advisor to the Executive Director, Africa Group 1, IMF, both are South Sudanese, they have done a wonderful job.
