Sudan’s livestock exports ‘came to a complete halt ’ over excessive fees

March 9, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – Excessive fees charged by localities on livestock have resulted in total suspension of exports, an official at the industry’s chamber said.

The Secretary General at the Chamber of Meats and Livestock Khalid al-Magbool said that these duties were levied by these localities through the issuance of a temporary decree.

Al-Magbool described this move as “unfortunate” and a “defeat” to the government’s economic plan which seeks to boost exports to provide fresh source of hard currency following the secession of the oil-rich South Sudan in July 2011.

He also warned that prices of meat in local markets are set to increase as well by a significant amount and that other sectors that feed off the livestock industry will be negatively impacted.

The industry official said a press conference will be held on Wednesday to reveal to the public all the facts related to this issue, al-Magbool said.

Last month the Sudanese minister of livestock, Fisheries and Pastures Faisal Hassan Ibrahim announced that the country’s livestock exports jumped by 96.6% in 2012.

Khartoum says livestock exports contribute about 20% of the national GDP and 50% of the agricultural output. It aims to bolster the livestock industry by encouraging foreign investments in this sector.

Last November Sudan granted China permission to set up a free-trade zone for agricultural products and livestock to boost bilateral transactions.

(ST)