Khartoum:The Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) have inaugurated a three-day investment and trade forum in Khartoum, focusing on enhancing value chains for key commodities in Sudan. This initiative aims to develop agricultural value chains and boost investment in the sector.
According to Sudan News Agency, the forum is led by AOAD Director-General Professor Ibrahim Al-Dukhairi and includes notable attendees such as Finance Minister Dr. Gibril Ibrahim, Dr. Fatima Mohamed Ahmed Rahma, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation for the Agriculture Sector, and Engineer Daw Al-Bait Abdulrahman, Undersecretary for the Irrigation Sector. Participants also include representatives from the private sector, banks, and the expert community. The event will present several working papers over its duration.
The forum highlighted the significance of strengthening cooperation and economic integration between Sudan and the Arab region, with agriculture and livestock identified as key components for achieving food security and economic stability. Emphasis was placed on the need to invest in Sudan's abundant agricultural and livestock resources and to develop comprehensive value chains that include production, processing, and marketing.
Additionally, the forum stressed the importance of enhancing public-private partnerships, broadening financing and investment opportunities, and improving infrastructure and logistics services. It called for collaborative efforts among government bodies, the private sector, and regional partners to implement actionable programs aimed at boosting productivity, competitiveness, job creation, and sustainable development, thereby enhancing Arab food security.
The opening session concluded with a call to action, emphasizing that success would rely on implementing the forum's recommendations into concrete investment projects. These projects should be built on partnership, trust, and shared interests, ultimately supporting Sudan's economic recovery and contributing to the stability, peace, and prosperity of the region.