Sudan begins talks to join two projects in COMESA
By Soad M. Salah, translated by Belgees Fager
KHARTOUM, Sep 4, 2004 (SUNA) — In order to realize economic development and social welfare, and to increase the trade exchange, Sudan works to full- utilize from all programs and projects relates to the Common Market of East and South Africa(COMESA).
In the first meeting held recently at General Secretariat of COMESA in the Ministry of Foreign Trade , the General Secretary Mohammad Al-hassan Abo-zeed said that the first project, ( the yellow card project ) had been issued according to a protocol attached to COMESA agreement, as a joint project , that was executed in all world states ( with differences in cards colors).
It had been implemented in COMESA states since 1987, in 12 countries besides Sudan which will be the 13th country.
The second project is,( Guarantees of the customs containers),which hasn’t been adopted in any country till now. About the goals of the first project the yellow Card, Abo-zeed explained that it aims to guarantee the insurance coverage to the vehicle- owners out-side their countries geographical brooders in addition to facilitate persons and commodities movement among COMESA states
He added that the project operates through a central unit based in Zambia. But the member states in the project should set up a national units in their countries , for issuing insurance documents to the cross- vehicles of the region’s states, paying traffic accidents penalties ,that caused by these cross-cars, besides avoiding delays in the cross-point. Also the national unit will make the clearance and organize work with the other units in the region.
He went on saying ” to join this project the state should select one of its companies operating in field of insurance to direct its national unit with a separate account a way from the company’s other accounts.
Sudan had selected “Shekan Company for Insurance and Re-insurance ” to be its national unit due to its financial capability. He added a highly efficient re-insurance complex was established in COMESA region to offer the needed insurance protection.
The second project (insurance of the customs containers) aims to facilitate trade and guaranteeing the customs revenues in case of spoiling the commodities. The project in order to be implemented it should be signed by 9 states.
He pointed that the steps for implementing this project are similar to that of the first project. The meeting asserted the importance of setting up a committee to study the two projects and prepare a unified document by the concern bodies.