The Western Bahr el Ghazal state governor speaking after a visit to Egypt said that his state is facing major challenges in terms of technical expertise and qualified labour as well as food production.

He said at a press conference upon his arrival to Juba yesterday that he met in Egypt several government officials and business leaders.

Rizig Zachariah Hassan further claimed that the Egyptian government has pledged to provide training opportunities for state government employees by paying 50% for scholarships and capacity-building trainings costs.

He pointed out that South Sudan depends on Sudan, Uganda and other East African countries in terms of food and other essential commodities.

The governor said he discussed with the Egyptian Chamber of Commerce attempting a trade route from Egypt to Wau via Half and El Obeid.

They governor also commended the Egyptian government for the support to South Sudan.

He described the visit as “successful” and noted that he will brief the Council of Ministers on the details so that the two countries can sign a memorandum of understanding.

Last week in Cairo, Egypt’s government also reportedly pledged to implement a model farm project occupying 10,000 acres in Wau town after joint talks between the Egyptian Minister of Water Resource and the Western Bahr el Ghazal governor.