KHARTOUM, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Sudan opens the third annual international mining business forum and exhibition on Monday with participation of 20 foreign countries and 100 local and international companies.

Sudan's Presidential Assistant Abdul Rahman Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi vowed to provide a suitable climate for foreign investment in the minerals sector in his addressing.

He reiterated that Sudan encourages investment in its minerals field.

"We encourage establishment of smart partnerships with giant companies for better exploitation of our resources with provision of suitable environment for the investors," said Al-Mahdi.

Sudan's Minerals Minister Hashim Ali Salim said the forum is convened amid wide participation of foreign countries, local and international companies and regional and international organizations concerned with the mining sector.

"Sudan has made firm steps towards developing this important sector to become a major boost for Sudan's economy," noted Salim.

The forum, held on March 26-28, tends to encourage exchanges among participating international companies and inform them of Sudan's investment act.

Around 461 companies are operating in the minerals field in Sudan, where the mining sector represents 40 percent of Sudan's minerals exports.

In 2017, Sudan's gold production reached 100 tons worth about 400 million U.S. dollars, enabling Sudan to rank second among Africa's gold producing and exporting countries, according to Sudan's Minerals Ministry.

Statistics show that around 1 million Sudanese citizens work in the traditional mining sector, which produces 90 percent of the country's gold.