Sudan announced the postponement of a major economic conference, which was scheduled for March 29, due to the outbreak of the new coronavirus.
The national conference was aimed at reaching a unified vision that would tackle the structural imbalances faced by the Sudanese economy in wake of the differences that emerged over the drafting of the 2020 state budget, which approved a gradual lifting of government subsidies for basic commodities.
Governing parties agreed to delay lifting the subsidies until the economic conference is held, since it was expected to offer options and alternatives to tackle the crumbling economy.
In a press release on Monday, the conference’s preparatory committee said it was postponing the conference and all related workshops without setting a new date.
It said the decision was made after consulting with the competent authorities, provided that the work of the preparatory committee would continue.
The committee called on all ministries, authorities and figures involved in the conference to continue preparing for the workshops and to maximize their contribution to the main conference.
Member of the Forces of Freedom and Change economic committee Adel Khalaf Allah told Asharq Al-Awsat that the parties agreed with the executive body to postpone the conference.
He explained that the decision provides that parties adhere to their agreement concluded on the budget procedures.
This agreement stipulates that the government does not lift subsidies on fuel and electricity, reduce the exchange rate of the pound until holding the conference or issue new budget-related legislation.
“The committee in charge of the conference slammed the finance ministry for reducing the value of the Sudanese pound from 18 pounds to 55 pounds against the US dollar,” Khalaf Allah said.
He pointed out that the committee also denounced the financial contract signed between the ministry and private companies to buy gold in exchange for importing oil products and wheat.
