On Its Second Day, the Economic Conference Discusses Agriculture and Industry Issues

On its second day, Wednesday, the Economic Conference addressed issues related to the agricultural, industrial, and service sectors.

The first paper, presented by Abla from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, explored the role of investment and partnerships in rebuilding the agricultural sector. It detailed the war’s impact on agriculture and the necessary interventions to address these effects. The paper also highlighted the sector’s weaknesses, opportunities, and main challenges, with key recommendations including assessing damages, estimating urgent needs, supporting producers through value chains, and providing essential inputs and financing.

The second paper, prepared by the Ministry of Industry team, offered a diagnostic study of Sudan’s manufacturing sector, analyzing its status before, during, and after the war, as well as the geographic distribution of industries and the challenges they face. The primary recommendation was to establish a comprehensive strategy for rehabilitating the sector and addressing the war’s consequences.

The third paper, presented by Dr. Adel Abdel Aziz Al-Faki, discussed the challenges facing Sudan’s service sector. It underscored the sector’s importance as it encompasses all economic and service activities outside agriculture and industry. The paper noted that services contribute 55% of Sudan’s GDP and reviewed the losses sustained by various sector components. A key recommendation was the establishment of a Supreme Council for Service Sector Planning and Development.

The fourth paper, presented by Prof. Ibrahim Al-Dukhairi, detailed a strategic and practical plan for reconstructing Sudan’s agricultural and livestock sectors. It emphasized the importance of addressing war impacts on these sectors, their central role in rebuilding Sudan, future implementation strategies, and the required interventions and funding for development and reconstruction efforts.

Dr. Abu Bakr Al-Bushra, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, initiated the discussion on the papers, highlighting agriculture’s significance as the primary occupation for over 70% of the population. He identified traditional horizontal farming methods and low productivity per acre as major obstacles to achieving food security. He recommended regulating exports and imports, activating government companies to export agricultural products, adding value through agricultural manufacturing, and enhancing export capabilities.

The first session was chaired by Dr. Abdel Moneim Mohamed Al-Tayeb, a banking expert and former Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.