Sudan livestock exports almost doubles in 2012, minister says
February 12, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese minister of livestock, Fisheries and Pastures Faisal Hassan Ibrahim reported Tuesday that the country’s livestock exports jumped by 96.6% in 2012.
According to Sudan state news agency (SUNA), Hilal made the disclosure during a meeting of the economic development sector headed by finance minister Ali Mahmood Abdel-Rasool.
Ibrahim attributed the increase to soaring demand by importers mainly from Arab Gulf states, Egypt and Libya.
The meeting stressed the need for activating agreements, protocols and memorandums of understanding signed with other nations on livestock exports to attract foreign investments thus making this sector an attractive one for investors.
SUNA did not mention what the overall value of livestock exports in 2012 was.
Last year the Sudanese government said that livestock exports earned around $408 million by the end of November 2012. This was an increase from the roughly $333 million earned in 2011.
Livestock and agriculture is one sector Sudan hopes to boost amid a deepening economic crisis caused by the secession of oil-rich South Sudan in July 2011.
Khartoum says livestock exports contribute about 20% of the national GDP and 50% of the agricultural output.
Last year however, Ibrahim complained that the returns on livestock are far below the potential due to smuggling particularly in Darfur and Northern states.
(ST)