JUBA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan said Tuesday it has already integrated an online portal aimed at eliminating various non-tariff barriers (NTBs).
The move aims in a bid to ease trade and expedite timely delivery of humanitarian aid as the country seeks recovery from more than five years of conflict.
Mou Mou Athian, Undersecretary for East African Community (EAC) under the ministry of trade, industry and EAC Affairs, said the online portal is the first trade-related online tool in South Sudan designed to provide information on institutions and mechanisms to fight NTBs.
"It is designed as the virtual center that provides information on national, regional and international themes related to the elimination of NTBs," Athian told journalists in Juba during training of officials on use of the portal.
He disclosed that they developed two tools that will help with the identification, registration and elimination of NTBs.
Athian revealed that the first tool is the national response system for NTBs that will enable quick resolution of specific NTBs particularly those related to non-compliance to the existing rules.
He disclosed that the second tool is specifically designed to assist humanitarian organizations in South Sudan and revenue authorities to streamline the process of tax exemptions and enable faster flow of humanitarian assistance to people in need in South Sudan.
"The NTB portal directly addresses South Sudan's commitments arising from its membership to the EAC and will help South Sudan's participation in regional forums that are established to address NTBs," said Athian.
He added that increased exchange of information on NTBs with EAC member states, among others, will reduce the cost of goods imported to South Sudan and facilitate exports.
"Start using the NTB Portal, learn, report and monitor NTBs and help us make it an effective mechanism for reducing the cost and time of trade in South Sudan," he said.
Charles Data Alemi, director Imani development that developed the online portal together with Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA), said the digital tool will help traders in the country to identify and report on any form of NTBs.
"Today's training is specifically to train members of the national committee who will be responsible for resolving some of these NTBs," he said.
Land-locked South Sudan joined the six member EAC trade bloc in 2016 that includes Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. The country is now pursuing membership in the World Trade Organization that will open up access to capital and market for locally produced goods.
