Sudan wants more investors

Accra (Greater Accra), 21st May 99 ?

The President of Sudan, Lt-General Omar Hasan Ahmed Al Basher, on Thursday called on American investors to take advantage of the "liberalised market" of that country and open up more businesses.

Speaking at the Presidential Plenary Session of the Fifth African-African American Summit underway in Accra, the Sudanese President urged the investors to brush off the "misconceptions" about Sudan and participate in its privatisation exercise.

"I can assure you today that there is peace in Sudan. At least we have been able to resolve the thorny issues bordering on our federation and very soon an election will be held to finally decide on the issue."

President Al Basher said six out of the seven groups involved in the Sudanese "crisis" have signed an agreement to take part in the election.

"Conditions are now favourable for our liberalisation policy and democratisation process."

President Al Basher appealed to the over 4,000 African Americans attending the Summit to chart a new course for Africa.

The week-long Summit, which is under the theme 'Business, Trade and Investment: "Africa Can Compete", is a platform to launch Africa into the 21st Century.

At least the last decade of the African history has been characterised by strong political and economic reforms, which have propelled the continent to about four per cent growth annually, he said, adding that Sudan has also gone through the reform process, especially in the area of education, health and agriculture.

"The new vision for Sudan demands greater attention of the global investment community to take advantage of the reforms and take part in our privatisation process," he said.

For instance, he said, Sudan has established 25 universities in the last three years and privatised a number of state-owned enterprises but little of these achievements are known to the West.

"Some of these powerful nations are rather waging a propaganda war against us, creating the impression that there is instability in Sudan.

" As we open our economy we invite you all to feel free and take advantage of the numerous opportunities in Sudan and share the profits with us," the Sudanese leader said.

Similarly, the Monarch of Swaziland, King Mswati III, put across a strong appeal to America to come to his kingdom "and make money".

"In the 250 years history of the Swazi Kingdom, we have known no civil war, and conflict has not been part of our vocabulary", the 30-year- old Monarch told the audience.

He said Africa is crying out for investment because of the high rate of unemployment adding that the continent provides the perfect opportunity for the future of the world and through the strengthening of the private sector, it would be able to compete effectively.

The Presidential session under the Chairmanship of President Jerry John Rawlings, which started on Wednesday, assembled 12 Heads of State, a monarch and high-level state officials from Africa and United States.

The Presidents took turns to address the large audience, which conference sources said, is unprecedented in the history of the summit, first held in 1991 in Abidjan.