Khartoum: Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries, Professor Ahmed Al-Tijani Al-Mansouri, praised the River Nile State Government's interest in the proposed Animal Production City project, which is planned to be implemented within the framework of joint cooperation between the ministry and the state government, with the participation of several other entities.
According to Sudan News Agency, Al-Mansouri spoke on Thursday at the Ministry of Education hall in Al-Damer during an awareness workshop on Animal Production Cities and the rehabilitation of productive projects in River Nile State. The event was organized by the state in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries under the theme 'Sustainable Animal Production and Promising Economic Development.' He emphasized that the harmony in performance between state institutions and citizens was one of the reasons for the state's success in various fields.
The event saw attendance from Wali of River Nile State, Dr. Mohamed Al-Badawi Abdel-Majid Abu-Groun, members of his government, the state's Security Committee, federal and state livestock officials, representatives of judicial and executive institutions, the banking sector, universities, companies, employers, and traditional and community leaders.
Al-Mansouri affirmed his ministry's commitment to establishing the Animal Production City in River Nile State using the latest technologies. He highlighted the reasons for selecting the state for the project, specifically its geographical location, proximity to Port Sudan and the federal capital, availability of suitable agricultural land and water, freedom from animal diseases, availability of infrastructure, and proximity to external markets.
He explained that the establishment of the city would support the vision of both the state and River Nile State to move towards exports, given their importance in stimulating economic activity and strengthening the national currency. He noted its role in making use of all slaughter by-products, addressing livestock smuggling, and supporting the export of live animals.
The minister mentioned that the ministry had reached understandings with major Chinese companies to enter into partnerships for the establishment of the city, along with potential cooperation with other countries.
He added that the city would include facilities to make use of all slaughter by-products, most notably a modern tannery linked to a leather industries factory and other leather manufacturing facilities. The project would also pay particular attention to small-scale producers by allocating projects specifically for them.
Al-Mansouri praised Omdurman National Bank for responding to the initiative by financing projects for small-scale producers. He explained that the city would also focus on training and capacity-building through an advanced training center.
He affirmed the project's commitment to all environmental requirements, including utilizing by-products, recycling waste, and using environmentally friendly energy. The city will also include facilities for sporting, cultural, and recreational activities.
The minister praised the Wali and the River Nile State Government for their engagement with the project and their commitment to ensuring its success.