Sudan has many advantages to attract foreign investment. Sudan is classified as number two of the most attractive countries for investment in Africa and as number three in the Arab region. Acknowledging the importance of investment to boost the economy and to realize direct development, the government established the Ministry of Investment in 2002. The investment Act for 1999, amended in 2002-2003, is one of the best laws of investment in the area. The law provides for: Non discriminatory treatment of the capital of investment, whether be it public, private, cooperative or multi-sector capital. The project of investment enjoys all privileges and would have all guarantees: not to be nationalized, confiscated or ex-appropriated except through a law and against indemnity. The money of the project shall not be confiscated or frozen, except through a judicial order. The investor has the right to transfer his money, in case the project was not implemented, and is entitled to transfer the profits, financing cost to import raw materials and to export products. The project of investment is also exempted from tax of business profits for a term of not less than 10 years and will given a free piece of land for the project or at an incentive price, beside custom privileges for cars. The Role ot the Ministry ot Investment: The Ministry has succeeded in: Facilitating and simplifying investment procedures in one channel. Moving in different axis and participating in rnany conferences and forums internally and externally. Preparing studies and publications and staging electronic promotion, investors' services in coordination with the states.  Mapping the national investment map and defining strategies, policies and priorities of investment. Developing information and research system in the Ministry to carry out monitoring and analysis. Training and building capacities of the working cadres to cope with new challenges and requirements of investors. Working to attract regional and international capitals to invest in infrastructural projects. As a result of the remarkable progress achieved in the investment sector, the UNCTAD in its annual report for 2002 classified Sudan among the most three Arab States to attract foreign capital. Why Investing in Sudan? Following the signing of Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) Sudan becomes among the states that attract foreign investment. The following factors encourage the investment process: Stability of political, security, social economic and legal situation as stable policies provide a convenient climate for investment. Socio-economic plans and clear-cut policies stated in the National Strategy for 2005-2029 and phasing devdopment programmes. Adoption of a new concept for encouraging foreign investment and the state is moving towards free economy and privatization in all fields to activate and encourage participation of private sector in socio-economic development. Simplification of investment procedures, provision of facilities, guarantees of incentives for investors and the invested capitals. Flexibility in dealing with foreign currency, pricing policies and removing of any obstacles hindering internal or external trade transactions. The presence of national resources, arable lands, water resources, diversity of climate, animal resources, and vast-natural pastures, in addition to mineral, oil and reserved resources yet to be exploited. Wide oppportunities for investment in agriculture, industry, mining and economic services such as transport, storage a infrastructure. The availability of qualified cadres in sectors of agriculture, industry, mining and economic service. The presence of a well-established banking system and banking services extending all over the country in addition to specialized banks to boost investment and development in various fields. The unique location of Sudan at the middle of the continent makes Sudan the centre of markets to supply neighbouring markets with goods and services.
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