Boost for Egypt-Sudan trade relations

Tarek Kabil. (Reuters)

LONDON: Trade talks between Egypt and Sudan that were described as “successful” came to an end in Cairo on Thursday. The talks followed months of strained economic relations between the two neighboring countries.
It is expected that a trade and economic agreement will be announced soon, which will aim to resolve outstanding trade issues between the two countries in order to further their mutual interests.
Trade relations between Sudan and Egypt have been strained since the middle of last year when Sudan banned Egyptian fruit and industrial goods imports. Egypt responded by preventing the entry of many goods that were crossing into its market without permission.
The Sudanese Minister of Trade Hatem Al-Sasser held talks in Cairo on Thursday with his Egyptian counterpart Tarek Kabil in the presence of the ambassadors of the two countries. The Sudanese minister is attending the Africa 2017 Forum, which kicked off in Sharm El-Sheikh on Thursday.
The Sudanese and Egyptian officials discussed how to implement trade agreements signed by the two countries and agreed to hold meetings that experts would participate in. The trade agreement is expected to be announced following these meetings.
In a press statement that he gave after the talks, Al-Sasser said that “strengthening and developing trade relations and increasing the volume of trade exchange with Egypt” is very important to political leaders in Sudan.
Kabil stressed that Egypt was keen to initiate and implement the agreements that were signed by the two countries and cooperate fully with Sudan.