Khartoum — The Minister of Commerce Osman Omer Al-Sharif has held a meeting with the Board of Directors of the Gum Arabic.

The meeting reviewed workflow in the gum Arabic sector as well as ways to develop it in terms of production, production subsidies, export and the role of cooperative societies in supporting gum Arabic producers. The meeting called for the need to emphasize on the quality of gum, commitment to the international standards and taking of necessary measures to ensure the minimum requirements for realization of quality for the gum Arabic product.

The meeting also stressed the role of the ministry in the issuance of necessary orders for exporters to comply with the basic requirements of quality control and compliance with the specifications required internationally. The ministry also assumes promotion and marketing of gum Arabic externally besides its work to encourage producers and companies working in the field of gum Arabic to add value to the exports of gum Arabic. The ministry encourages a trend on increase of domestic consumption of gum through its inclusion in food products and medicines.

The meeting also touched on the development of markets in the states while linking them with the centre. The meeting recommended pursuance with the concerned authorities to speed up establishment of Gum Stock Exchange in coordination with all the concerned parties in the country. The meeting pointed out to the importance of adopting practical programs add value to the gum Arabic to maximize its contribution to the national economy.