Khartoum: The Minister of Investment and International Cooperation, Ahlam Madani Mahdi Sabeel, met on Saturday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ali Yousif, to discuss areas of cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Investment.
According to Sudan News Agency, the meeting included the Director of Arab and Asian Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Omar Eissa, Sudan’s Ambassador to Japan, and the Secretary-General of the National Council for Free Zones, Montasir Khaled. The Minister of Investment stated that the objective of the meeting was to discuss cooperation and coordination between the two ministries, particularly in international cooperation and promoting investment through Sudanese diplomatic channels.
The discussions covered a range of topics, including joint cooperation, bilateral agreements, the work of ministerial committees, and reactivating the work of the Russian Committee. The meeting also addressed organizations and cooperation in humanitarian work. The two sides coordinated plans to conclude memoranda of understanding with countries and organizations specializing in investment in free zones, aiming to transfer expertise and training to benefit from regional experiences.
The Minister highlighted plans to establish a forum for diplomats in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the approval of the investment law. The forum aims to promote investment and leverage regional expertise, particularly from China. Furthermore, the Minister emphasized holding briefing workshops in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and sending experts and consultants to share experiences and expertise. This coordination aims to develop the basic infrastructure in the operating free zones, making them attractive for investment by improving utilities such as electricity and water, and utilizing the Red Sea coast for specialized free zone projects to support exports and export industries.
The Minister stressed the importance of building strategic partnerships with advanced countries such as China, Turkey, and Russia, leveraging Sudan’s geographical location. Renewing agreements with China in the field of free zones to maximize benefits was also called for.