Baku:Sudan's Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Gebreil Ibrahim Mohamed, participated in a meeting with Arab finance ministers and the President of the World Bank Group. This meeting took place alongside the annual gatherings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
According to Sudan News Agency, the discussions focused on major economic and developmental challenges impacting Arab nations, particularly those related to promoting economic growth and expanding employment opportunities for young people and women. Emphasis was placed on the significance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and improve livelihoods.
Dr. Gebreil underscored the necessity of considering the implications of developments in the Gulf region on supply chains, transportation costs, and production inputs, including agricultural inputs. He noted that these factors could increase production costs and exacerbate living conditions, further complicating Sudan's efforts to secure food needs and maintain stable supplies. He called for international attention that matches the scale of these challenges.
The meeting highlighted the importance of increased cooperation between Arab countries and the World Bank Group to tackle economic and development issues. There was a strong push to enhance efforts in supporting food security, boosting productive capacity, and facilitating access to financing for key sectors, especially agriculture. These initiatives are critical for Sudan as they could help alleviate the effects of external shocks, protect livelihoods, and fortify the economy's resilience and stability.