The Chamber of Commerce has cautioned UN agencies and international NGOs against awarding contracts to foreign companies.

It says the agencies have done little to support the local businesses.

The chamber says South Sudan cannot develop if the private sector is ignored, especially when the funds meant for building the capacity of citizens do not reach the intended beneficiaries.

“What is technical that requires foreign intervention in supply of stationary, supply of food, supply of water? Does it need a PhD holder?” inquired Simon Akuei, the Secretary-General of the Chamber of Commerce, while addressing a press conference in Juba.

“The chamber hereby contracts those contracts that below 100.000 USD from all contracting parties including the NGOs be given to companies owned by South Sudanese.”