By Adia Jildo
The South Sudan National Economic conference aimed at finding solutions to the ailing economy has commenced in the capital Juba on Monday.
The conference being held under the theme, “Towards a diversified, inclusive and sustainable Economic Growth” is focused on attracting foreign direct investments, diversification of the oil-dependent economy.
The conference called by the national minister of finance and economic planning Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol is set to close on September 8th.
Civil society groups, business leaders and experts from the United Nations agencies are attending the conference.
The conference aims to attract investments in agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, mining, and energy, tourism and services.
South Sudan’s local pound has depreciated against the U.S dollar since last year. The pound is currently trading with the dollar at 1000, making it the highest since independence from neighboring Sudan in 2011.