South Sudan gets $250m loan for development from Emirates
Feb 14, 2004 (KHARTOUM) — South Sudan has got a loan from the Emirates Bank to finance development projects and regional infrastructure, South Sudan minister of finance said.
Minister of Finance and Economic Planning in the government of Southern Sudan, Arthur Akuien Chol, has signed last week in Dubai an agreement with Emirates Bank to finance development project in southern Sudan within the limit of 250 million US dollar.
Chol told Akhar al-Youm daily that the conclusion of this deal comes as result of previous contact with Emirati State Minister of Finances and Industry Mohamed Khalfan bin Kharbash.
He further said most of these projects are dedicated to the construction of road, services, schools and hospitals. He added that there are plans adopted by the different ministries and the southern Sudan government now will fix the priorities.
Many of development projects drafted by a joint assessment mission – from SPLM, NCP and donors – have been delayed by the World Bank, which is responsible of the money pledged for South Sudan development according to Oslo conference.
Several Arab countries which participated at this conference declined to participate in Oslo fund. They committed themselves to finance directly development projects in northern and southern Sudan in accord with the concerned authorities in the national unity government and southern Sudan government.
The minister said he wasn’t able to attend SPLM National Council meeting held in Yei last week because of his trip to Dubai, capital of United Arab Emirates.
(ST)