Gum arabic producers in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state report difficulties getting their product to international markets besides challenges of funding in the state.

Chairman of African Gum Producers Union Bol Deng Bol told Radio Tamazuj they face challenges in exporting the crop to international markets since South Sudan obtained its independence on 9 July 2011.

Bol said that Upper Nile state producers export through smuggling corridors into Sudan, and from there to international markets.

He said they recently talked to migration officials in Sudan so that the Sudanese traders are allowed to cross to South Sudan in order to encourage gum production, but the idea was rejected.

The union head said northern Upper Nile gum producers depend on their own money without any help from the authorities.

Deng called on the national government in Juba through the investment and industry ministry to construct roads so that the product reaches global markets.