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Southern Sudan set to be new frontier for business

Juba, Sudan - Juba, Southern Sudan, it will probably become the capital of Africa 54: e country after a referendum on independence from the north.

This is a potential new market enterprises are starting to attract investors.

SAB Miller Brewery International Company was established in southern Sudan and Beverages Ltd. has created a state of the art brewery in Juba. Beer for the first time on line in 2009. Currently produces more than two million liters per year.

NPC is also becoming a big soda and water games in the Sudan. established in southern Sudan may have been a risky move, but in commerce and trade marks first count.

"We were not in a race," said Ian Alsworth-Elvey, manager of the brewery NPC. "SAB Miller, as you know have a good reputation in emerging markets.

"First in is always great because you can still use the post for the first time it helps to win hearts and minds of consumers, once you"

Although there are many hopes for the future, foreign companies can build even the most basic elements of the economy.

In southern Sudan, most people do not read and write. Few skills, and there is little infrastructure.

The workforce is plagued by absenteeism and fewer parts and maintenance can be a headache. When it comes to running a brewery, but anything water must be imported.

But investors in Africa, at least, perception is a business opportunity.

"I think a lot of interest already," said Zach Vertine, an analyst at International Crisis Group.

"It may take some time to a wider pool of investors 'interest' addressed.

"We have seen major investments in the region, Ugandans are driving cars and housing, are opening businesses Eritreans, Kenyans are developing new business plans in collaboration with the South Sudan, which may start from the region" .

Oil is the most important asset in the Sudan, providing over 90% of sales. But economists say it is not enough to build an economy from scratch.

"The government has a very good investment-promotion activities," says Alsworth-Elvey.

"They are investments in fiscal support, but also understand them is to broaden the revenue base and not just rely on oil. So they created a beautiful setting for investments in any industry here."

Diana Hassan was trained as a chemical engineer in the UK. The head of the brewery poached for quality control when she had a good trip.

"I needed help my own community," she said.

"I had to give back what they gave me, because it was when I was young. I thought it would be useful for me to again be part of the development corporation."

Although most investors are waiting to see what happens before jumping in, optimism is that people will come.

"It's not everyday you see a new country," said Rome Bizmark, brewmaster of the NPC.

"Investors have to come. This is a new market."