22/11/2024
Welcoming Speech by Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Bec George Anyak
Date: 20th November 2024
Honorable Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater, National Minister of Finance and Planning,
Honourable First Undersecretary of Finance and Undersecretary of Planning,
Technical Advisors,
Honorable MPs of TNLA,
Madam Hon. Rebecca Anai Dhiop,
Former MP of Council of States, and,
Family members present,
My friend Prof.Makuendor, Maker Aguek Lueth.
Distinguished Members of the Senior Management and support staff,
Esteemed Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
It is with great honor and profound gratitude that I stand before you today as I take on the role of Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning. I am deeply humbled by the warm welcome extended to me and by the confidence His Excellency, President Salva Kiir Mayardit, has placed in me.
This responsibility is one that I take with humility, aware of the work that I must contribute to turning around our economy. I am prepared and ready to roll up my sleeves, pull up my socks and work alongside all of you to implement well-thought out fiscal and monetary policies to make a lasting difference for our beloved country.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am fully aware of the significant challenges that lie ahead of us. Our nation is at a critical juncture where the decisions we make and the actions we take will profoundly impact the future of South Sudan. The Ministry of Finance and Planning is at the heart of our efforts to stabilize our economy, manage our resources wisely, and lay the foundation for sustainable development. It is a responsibility we share, and it is one that I take with the utmost seriousness.
I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and commend the work that has already been done by the dedicated team within this Ministry. The strides made in public financial management reforms, the commitment to fiscal discipline, and the pursuit of transparency and accountability in our economic governance are achievements that we must build upon. The achievement of these strides has been made possible because of data governance. It is my mention that we use data as microcosms for decision making.
As such, we must remain committed to supporting collection of all vital statistics to aid in evidence-based policy. I challenge the National Bureau of Statistics to endeavor in the collection, storage and provision of quality data for planning and development. As we move along, the Bureau should adopt Artificial Intelligence to ease data usage for the well-being of our people. I am committed to working closely with each of you to continue these efforts, to explore innovative solutions, and to overcome the obstacles that stand in our way.
Our collective expertise and dedication will be crucial as we strive to meet the expectations of our people and to realize the vision set forth in Chapter 4 of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Economic stability is the fulcrum of peace and prosperity. It is our duty to be sensitive to our people’s needs and prioritize government programmes and projects, accordingly.
I am excited to bring my experience as an Economist and public servant to this position, and I look forward to collaborating with the National Minister, senior management, and all of you in driving government programmes and projects forward. Together, we will work to create a robust and resilient economy that supports the aspirations of every South Sudanese.
Aware that our economy is dependent on oil revenue, which makes up 98% of our national income, it is critical for us to diversify to Agriculture, Mining and Tourism. We should also invest in research and training to continuously adapt to the evolving technologies. Without economic diversification, our dependence may leave the country exposed to market shocks occasioned by on-going turmoil in the Sudan. We believe that soon, peace will prevail in the Sudan and reactive the oil market, which is a key source of revenue for our people.
I am confident that, with your support, we can achieve great things for our country. Let us continue to work with determination, integrity and a shared sense of purpose.
Thank you once again for your warm welcome. I am eager to begin this journey with all of you.
Thank you.