Tsutsumi Naohiro, Japanese Head of Mission and Mayen Dut Wol the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed the agreement

South Sudan and Japan on Friday signed a more than 13 million US dollar grant for the development of the Juba River Port.

The project to be implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to boost the economic and social development of the country

That’s according to Mayen Dut Wol the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,

Mr. Dut commended Japan for its support in the infrastructure development of South Sudan.

“The project for the development of Juba River Port is very important for the economic development of South Sudan as it will open and facilitate river transport networks and access in the country”, he said.

The Juba River Port Project started in 2012 but was halted due to civil war and COVID-19 pandemic.

In his remark, Tsutsumi Naohiro, the Japanese Head of Mission to South Sudan congratulated the unity government on what he describes as the new beginning of the long-awaited project.

The diplomat said that the project is a great step towards self-reliance and economic development of South Sudan.

On his part, Mr. Tanakana Hiroyuki, a representative of JICA said the project will boost internal and external trade adding that it is an indispensable asset for the country.