Sudan to abolish official customs dollar exchange rate

Sudan to abolish official customs dollar exchange rate

RIYADH: Sudan has taken the decision to abolish the official customs dollar exchange rate, Asharq Business reported, citing unnamed sources. Sudan's Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim earlier pledged that the government was committed to canceling the so-called customs exchange rate used to determine import duties. It comes amid ongoing fiscal reforms that have been encouraged by the International Monetary Fund and other donors. The customs dollar exchange rate has been problematic for importers historically as it has valued the local currency at a higher rate than reflected by the black market. Ibrahim said the government would press ahead with its liberalization program until the country's economy recovered from previous distortions. He also said that the subsidy for wheat, cooking gas and fuel oil that is used in the production of electricity will not be canceled this year. Devaluing the currency is one of a number of economic reforms that Sudan hopes will help it emerge from an enduring economic crisis.