The Higher Committee for Regulating Trade Exchange between Sudan and Neighboring Countries approved a draft trade and industrial cooperation accord between Sudan and Eritrea, along with a protocol on transit trade and investment in free zones between the two countries. The approval came during a meeting chaired by Minister of Industry and Trade Mahasen Ali Yagoub and attended by representatives of all relevant authorities. The meeting reviewed reports prepared by subcommittees tasked with drafting cooperation agreements and protocols. Minister Mahasen said the accord aims to increase bilateral trade and industrial cooperation, facilitate the movement of goods, expand transit trade, and promote investment in free zones. She noted that the move forms part of the government’s efforts to strengthen economic integration and build strategic relations with neighboring countries, while removing impediments to exports and imports in ways that support the national economy and contribute to the development of industrial and trade infrastructure. She directed that the private sector be closely involved throughout the drafting process and that the views of business leaders be taken into account. She also stressed the need to expedite the procedures for formally signing and ratifying the accord to ensure its implementation and achieve its intended objectives.BH/BH