Interview with Dr. Sulieman Mohamed Mustafa

Country Image of Paris
January 8th 2009

Sudan is increasingly affirming as a regional power in Africa and as a destination for significant foreign investments. What are your views on the ongoing expansion of Sudan political and economic international positioning?

Sudan is indeed a preeminent country in the region receiving special high rate investments. Efforts have been made to encourage and promote dynamic investments in sectors such as agriculture, industry, and infrastructure. In this regard you might take the time to look into the Foreign Investment Act (2000) a piece of legislation that encourages and helps Sudanese and non-Sudanese businessmen to invest in the fields of agriculture, industry, energy, mining, transport communication, tourism and many other fields.

We ask investors to come and see for themselves the facilities and guarantees that have been extended by the government. A Ministry of Investment and a special authority are also working in order to facilitate and attract foreign investments in several fields. Finally reports from the Bretton Woods institutions indicate that Sudan has achieved outstanding level of social and economic development.

The actual government made a lot of changes; how are you letting people know about those changes in order to amend the international image and perception of Sudan?

From a political perspective Sudan managed to sign three peace agreements in order to create an essential frame of stability. First of all a comprehensive peace agreement that has ended a period of more than twenty years of war, was signed. In second place, an agreement for peace and stability in the East and one concerning Darfur are now well in place.

Why are we focusing on these peace agreements? Because we know that without stability and peace there cannot be development. Peace and development are positively related. Moreover, nine countries, most of them with internal difficulties, surround Sudan. If Sudan is stable and developed, this will automatically reflect on the neighbouring countries. Stability in our country means stability in the region. Finally, it is also important to underline that Sudan is a founding member of the African Union, the Arab League, an active and dynamic member of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Countries, editor’s note), a member of the UN since its independence in 1956 and plays a positive role in a number of other international institutions.

The actual government undertook several reforms both administrative (creation of 26 states, constitution of free trade areas) and legislative (creation of a foreign investments framework) what has been the impact on Sudan international image?

Sudan is now composed of 26 states. This has been a positive experience and an example for the African continent. Thanks to decentralization each state has now its own governor, government and legislative body. Keep also in mind that Sudan is five times larger than France. This is a practical and good way to govern. It allows economic and social development according with each state peculiarity.

Security is an important consideration for any foreign investor. What are you doing to prove to investors that Sudan is a good market and a safe destination for investments?

As I said Sudan is very stable. The fact that major companies now operate in the country is a practical manifestation that the security situation is well and excellent. There are some difficulties in the region of Darfur but the government is in command and control. Sudan is among the safest countries in the area. This is internationally well known. For instance Khartoum is affirming as an international conference centre. Tourism as well is flourishing and business is booming. These are all elements that give a clear reflection of stability and security.

What is your personal vision concerning the future development of Sudan?

Sudan is an open country for everyone who is interested in investing, being it in the field of industry, petroleum, tourism or in any other field of economy. We are open and we welcome all those wishing to join our efforts for development.

What would be your final message to the readers of eBizguides?

You are all welcome, to come and visit Sudan, to see for yourself the exemplary effort we have been making in the last 10 years. Compare with any other country and you will see that what we have achieved is beyond imagination. These results are consequence of the work of all the Sudanese people and all our friends in the international community. Sudan is a peaceful country, our people love peace. We are interested to welcome all those who are genuinely interested to work with us toward peace stability and development.