The first Qatari-Sudanese Economic Forum, attended by ministers, officials and businessmen of both countries, was held in Khartoum.

The Forum was organised by Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company following the launch of its prestigious Al Difaf project in Khartoum and is meant to foster stronger economic ties between Qatar and Sudan and provide a platform for businessmen from both countries to interact and explore avenues of co-operation, reported Qatar Peninsula.

"I have read in school that Sudan is the food basket of the Arab world. This shows the great importance of agriculture in this country and the potential it provides for investment," Qatar's Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of Economy Yousuf Hussein Kamal was quoted as saying..

"One third of the total population of the world are working in agriculture today and the situation of farmers has improved tremendously compared to a few years ago thanks to the better prices for their products," the minister added.
Kamal said any investment made has to benefit all sectors of people and the focus of the authorities must be to create a congenial atmosphere for investment by framing suitable laws and systems.

Sudanese Minister of Investment Costa Maanebi said his country was endowed with abundant natural resources and the government was encouraging businessmen, both from his country and abroad, to take an active role in the utilization of these resources.

Sudanese Minister of Finance and Economy, Zubair Al Hassan, said the Forum represented the beginning of a real partnership between Qatar and Sudan that would achieve greater heights and urged businessmen from both countries to make use of the opportunities available.

"Our government is working towards removing all obstacles in the way of investment by framing suitable laws and installing the supportive systems. A Council of Investment was set up recently with this objective which is making great results," Al Hassan said.
The first panel at the Forum discussed fiscal and monetary policies, prospects of investment in energy and mining, and opportunities in industrial investments.

The second panel discussed prospects of real estate development, urban planning and tourism in Khartoum.

The final session discussed the prospects of investment in agriculture and animal production and also economic partnership between Sudanese and Qatari businessmen.

The Forum concluded with the declaration of Qatari-Sudanese joint projects and also the formation of a Qatari-Sudanese Business Council.