Khartoum: The Higher Economic Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Kamil Idris, convened on Sunday to examine a series of economic issues pivotal to Sudan's financial landscape.
According to Sudan News Agency, the meeting, attended by key government officials, focused on export and import policies, the management of gold resources, import substitution, and the export of agricultural and livestock products. Dr. Graham Abdel-Gadir, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism, highlighted the meeting's directive to form a specialized task force led by Finance and Economic Planning Minister Dr. Gebreil Ibrahim. This task force, with participation from relevant entities, is tasked with developing an actionable matrix for imports and exports, complete with specific timelines and implementation mechanisms.
The discussions were transparent, resulting in directives aimed at rectifying trade policy imbalances. The committee emphasized the importance of policies that enhance and diversify Sudanese exports, expand market access, and rationalize the importation of non-essential goods. These measures aim to restore the trade balance and achieve economic stability.
Additionally, the committee reviewed a comprehensive report from the Committee for the Prevention of Illegal Levies, formed by a Cabinet decision. Justice Minister Abdullah Dirif announced that the technical committee had dismantled 55 illegal collection points across the eastern and northern sectors, ensuring continued inspections in other states.
Minister Dirif also stated that the committee recommended expanding electronic collections via the 'Esali' system across all government units. They urged the enactment of specific legislation for border crossings to eliminate overlapping authorities and the establishment of unified oversight windows by states to facilitate traffic on national highways.
Further recommendations included collecting prescribed fees from foreigners in hard currency and activating a foreign trade protocol with Eritrea to reduce smuggling. Additionally, a review of state-level financial legislation is underway to abolish any fees imposed without corresponding services, in line with legal standards.
The meeting concluded with directives for necessary decisions to be issued to implement these recommendations, aligning with the 'Hope Government' policies aimed at combating corruption and achieving comprehensive economic development.