Egypt chasing South Sudanese business

An Egyptian business, investment and media delegation has arrived in the South Sudanese capital of Juba, ahead of Prime Minister Hisham Kandil's visit on Thursday, according to diplomatic sources. Egyptian Ambassador to South Sudan Ayman el-Gammal welcomed the trip, claiming deepening economic relations between the two countries would be mutually beneficial. Talks will focus on a possible duty-free industrial zone in South Sudan to capitalise on the country’s agricultural output, as well as a range of business deals in energy, infrastructure and sanitation. Contracts to establish medical facilities in Bor and Akobo could also be signed, el-Gammal said. South Sudan’s Chamber of Commerce will host meetings with Egyptian businessmen to discuss investment opportunities in the resources-rich country. "We are working on mutual development projects," el-Gammal told Arabstoday. “This cooperation is important because it will benefit both countries.” South Sudanese President Salva Kiir will visit Cairo following Prime Minister Kandil’s visit on Thursday, following an invitation in December.