Influence of Strategic Control and Cross Border Trade in Jonglei State, Bor Town Municipality, South Sudan

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of strategic control on cross-border trade in South Sudan. The contention of the article is that strategic control is an important tool for enhancing cross-border trade in South Sudan. It helps to ensure that goods and services are traded fairly, thereby helping to promote sustainable economic development for South Sudan. Local businesses operating in South Sudan face numerous challenges, including intensified competition due to new market entrants, the threat of imports, increased capacities, and high production costs associated with energy, imported clinker, and transportation. The main objective of this study was to examine the influence of strategic control on cross-border trade in South Sudan. Specifically, the study aimed to achieve the following objectives: assess the influence of premise control on cross-border trade in South Sudan, evaluate the influence of surveillance control on cross-border trade in South Sudan, investigate the influence of implementation control on cross-border trade in South Sudan, and analyze the influence of financial control on cross-border trade in South Sudan. A descriptive survey methodology was employed to gather comprehensive information from employees of the Bor town municipality Jonglei state, South Sudan. The target population of the study consisted of 158 employees working in the Bor town Municipality Jonglei State. A sample size of 61 employees was randomly selected for participation using simple random sampling. Data was collected through questionnaires that include both structured and unstructured questions. For data analysis, which included descriptive statistics like tables, charts, percentages, tabulations, means, and other measures of central tendencies, the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used. There was a very strong association between strategic control and cross border trade in Jonglei State which is significant. The study concluded that efficient customs clearance processes positively contribute to the success of cross-border trade activities in Jonglei State and that efficient compliance monitoring mechanisms play a crucial role in ensuring adherence to trade regulations and preventing violations in cross-border trade activities in Jonglei State. The study recommends that in order to encourage cross-border traders' efforts, governments should coordinate their policies to achieve effective trade integration. Facilitating and promoting policy creation processes is crucial, as is ensuring that the Customs Union regularly monitors their implementation. Policymakers will be better able to assist their own economic empowerment and strengthen their position as a major player in regional trade activities if they incorporate crossborder commerce into their vision. Key Words: South Sudan, Jonglei State, Channel Optimization, Publicity strategies, Strategic cost, Cross border trade, Premise & Financial Control, Surveillance & Implementation Control