Chambers of Commerce: Current Policies Hinder Import Operations

Port Sudan – Sudanhorizon

A joint meeting between Sudan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce discussed the importance of cooperation and resolving all trade-related issues, particularly those related to imports and exports.

The President of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Ali Salah, acknowledged the negative impact of the current procedures and policies implemented to regulate the import process on commercial activity.

Speaking during his meeting on Tuesday with Minister of Industry and Trade, Mahasin Ali Yaqoub, at her office in the administrative capital, Port Sudan, Salah stated: “The current procedures obstruct and delay imports, causing major losses for importers through fines and demurrage charges, which affect fair competition and encourage the rise of smuggling and shadow imports.” He pointed to the recent increases in customs valuation and additional fees, which have reached up to 100% for some goods.

He stressed the importance of verifying trade balance statistics with the relevant authorities and taking action to stop gold smuggling.

Salah affirmed the Federation’s recognition of the exceptional circumstances the country is going through and reiterated their full support for the state, standing together in service of the nation and its citizens by ensuring market availability and easing the cost of living.

He noted that the merging of the Ministries of Trade and Industry directly affects people’s livelihoods, which necessitates joint work and avoiding conflicts of interest between the two sectors to serve the public good.

Salah also revealed that an agreement was reached to hold a workshop to discuss all issues facing importers, as well as matters related to the registry of exporters and importers, with the participation of relevant parties—aiming to come up with solutions that serve the Sudanese economy.

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