Egypt, Sudan agree to open markets, encourage private sector
Nov 13, 2005 (CAIRO) — Sudan and Egypt agreed today here to open their respective markets for their products and to promote the role of the private sector in the fields of trade and investment, the Egyptian state-run news agency MENA reported.
Egypt and Sudan asserted the importance of bilateral cooperation and keenness of the two governments and people on activating cooperation ventures and increasing trade exchange.
In a joint press conference here on Sunday by Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmad Nazif and Sudanese Second Vice-President Ali Osman Taha at the end of the fourth session of the Higher Joint Committee, Nazif said Egypt will offer full support for development in Sudan within the framework of the peace process.
He pointed out that in the meeting held here on Sunday between Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and the Sudanese delegation, the Egyptian leader asserted the importance of holding regular meetings and following up the activities of the Egyptian-Sudanese joint committees.
The two sides agreed to open markets for their products in both nations and encourage the private sector in the fields of trade and investment, he added.
Taha pointed out that the fourth session focused on strengthening the role of the private sector, the infrastructure and communications between the two countries.
Taha called on Egyptian businessmen, companies and the investment sector to study with their Sudanese counterparts prospects of investment provided by the atmosphere of peace realized in Sudan.
He pointed out to the convocation of the committee meetings for the first time in Cairo, saying it was a sign of welcome of a positive Egyptian role in Sudan in the fields of development and investment.
He referred to the protocols and memorandums of understanding signed on Sudan during the committee meetings, saying they reflected a genuine desire to put into effect what had been agreed.
President Mubarak’s meeting with the Sudanese delegation was an encouragement to establish a follow-up mechanism, he added.
The Egyptian and Sudanese sides agreed to hold the upcoming session as soon as possible in response to the aspirations of both peoples and to cope with ongoing changes everywhere, he added.
Nazif asserted the importance of the role played by the private sector in trade exchange and the implementation of agreements, pointing out that the government should create an atmosphere conducive to allowing relative perks for commodities of both nations in each others’ markets, through which trade exchange could increase to better levels.
Taha said the agreement of meat exports to Egypt will be completed within the coming weeks, asserting the important role to be played by the private sector in the field of importing meat.
(ST)