Higher Economic Committee Reviews Export and Import Policies
The Higher Economic Committee, chaired by Dr. Kamil Idris, held a meeting on Sunday to discuss a range of economic issues.
In a press statement, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism, Dr. Graham Abdelqader, said the meeting addressed export and import policies, management of gold resources, import substitution, and the export of agricultural and livestock products.
The meeting directed the formation of a working group, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Jibril Ibrahim, along with relevant authorities, to develop an executive framework for imports and exports within specific timelines and with practical implementation mechanisms. He added that discussions were conducted with full transparency, leading to a set of directives aimed at addressing imbalances in export and import policies.
The committee stressed the need to adopt policies that enhance Sudanese exports, diversify them, increase their value-added, and open new markets. It also emphasized the importance of rationalizing imports of non-essential goods to help restore balance to trade and achieve economic stability.
The meeting reviewed a detailed report on the work of the committee tasked with combating illegal fee collection, formed under a Cabinet decision. Minister of Justice Abdullah Draf stated that the technical committee conducted field visits in the eastern states—Red Sea, Kassala, and Gedaref—and the northern states—Northern State and River Nile—removing 55 illegal collection points. He confirmed that these efforts would continue in other states.
He added that the committee recommended expanding electronic fee collection through a unified receipt system across all government units, as well as issuing specific legislation governing border crossings to eliminate overlaps among agencies. It also called for establishing unified regulatory windows in the states to facilitate vehicle movement along national roads.
Draf further noted that the committee recommended collecting fees from foreign nationals in hard currency and activating trade protocols with Eritrea to combat smuggling. He added that all financial regulations at the state and local levels had been reviewed to ensure that any fee imposed corresponds to a specific service, with unlawful fees to be abolished in accordance with the law. The committee will continue its nationwide work to ensure that fee collection along national routes is conducted legally and that local and state regulations do not conflict with federal laws.
The meeting directed the issuance of necessary decisions to implement these recommendations in line with the policies of the Government of Hope, aimed at combating corruption and achieving comprehensive economic development.
