Minister calls on Arab fund for more investments in Sudan
Feb 15, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — The Minister of Finance, al-Zubair Ahmed al-Hassan, called on the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) to increase its financing activities in Sudan to cope with the requirements of peace in the fields at infrastructural and agricultural projects.
He stressed his ministry’s commitment to follow-up the implementation of projects that are financed by the fund in Sudan, on its capacity as the coordinator between the fund and the concerning parties.
During his meeting Wednesday with the General Director of the AFESD, Abdullatif al-Hamad, the minister praised the efforts of the fund to finance the establishment of Merowe Dam, besides its major contribution to the funding of the White Nile Sugar Factory with 71 million dollars, out of the total cost of 473 million dollars which are due to be extended by the Ministry of Finance and other Sudanese and Arab financial institutions.
Al-Hassan, has affirmed the keenness of the state to boost the agricultural and industrial development in the country, through rehabilitation and enhancement of the infrastructures at different developmental projects, referring to the work and achievements being made in Merowe Dam.
He said that the project is considered a real boost to the national economy by contributing to the development process at the area of the Dam through providing basic services, establishment of roads and industries, which will make available various work opportunities.
The minister explained that work at the White Nile Sugar Factory was completed by 60% in the first and second phases, adding that the third phase of the project would begin next March and that the factory would begin its production in the year 2008.
Deputy Governor of the Bank of Sudan, Badr-Eddin Mahmoud, affirmed concern of the state to tackle the problems that confront the production, besides the enhancement of the agricultural technology, realization of structural reform in the major and conventional agricultural sectors’ schemes.
Meanwhile, al-Hamad commended the performance of the fund in financing the establishment of projects in south Sudan, appreciating the efforts being exerted by the state for creating appropriate infrastructures for establishment of these projects.
He indicated that the existence of vast agricultural capabilities in Sudan affirms the feasibility of investment in the country, hoping that Sudan will lead to self-sufficiency in the agricultural production for the Arab World.
The meeting was attended by Director of Dams Implementation Unit Engineer Osama Abdalla and representatives of the White Nile Sugar Factory.
(ST)