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Of
the major factors which represent an attraction to investors
are the following:
1-Sudan’s
strategic location:
which represents an entrance to Africa from the east and the
fact that it is neighbored by African countries a few to
which Sudan represents to the only sea outlet. The location
on the Red Sea makes Sudan the centre of international
markets; Middle East, Far East, Asia, Europe, and the USA as
well as the recipient of ships crossing the into the Red Sea
through the Suez Canal. Sudan is tied to some of the
neighboring countries by airlines, roads, sea, and river
transport.
2-Sudan’s rich resources:
these include agricultural land and fresh water resources,
such as rivers, rain, and under ground water. These are in
addition to forests, meadows, animal resources and mineral
resources which include petroleum, gold and other precious
metals. Sudan is characterized by the availability of human
resources represented in vocational labor, highly skilled
graduates and very cheap rates for the available labor.
3-Infrastructure and Service
Facilities:
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The infrastructure and service facilities are updateable
in the light of the government policies.
-
To enhance the investment environment and keep up with
the expected growth which is due after the discovery of
petroleum and the establishment of peace in Sudan, the
establishment of roads, railways, seaports, airports
(national and international), telecommunications,
electricity generation stations, water purification
facilities, sanitation networks and others are very
important.
-
A shift towards the enhancing the state of industrial
areas, and building new industrial cities supplied with
all the services necessary for investment are essential.
-
The availability of free zones in Suakin and El-Jaili
cities grant encouraging exemptions to investors.
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The availability of a banking sector, insurance sector,
auditing, financial, technical and legal consultancy
services.
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-The availability of educational and health facilities
of high standard which contribute to providing necessary
services to citizens and expatriates.
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The availability of a modern construction sector which
contributed to the abundance of houses, and offices
rising to fulfill investors’ requirements.
4-Political
stability:
which is represented in the federal governing system which
divided the country into 3 levels; the Federal, State and
local levels and which guarantees participation by all
citizens.
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The country is run by a central government from the
national capital Khartoum.
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The country is divided into 26 states, each with its own
government
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The government looks forward to solving the problem of
the south to establish stability and security in the
southern states and the entire county.
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Sudan is also characterized by its independent judicial
system which is capable of resolving all conflicts.
Sudanese judicial and legislative systems are
characterized by indiscrimination among Sudanese
citizens and foreigners
5-Economic policies which include
:
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-Liberalizing the economy
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-Restructuring the economy (privatization of public
corporations ending the State's monopoly of certain
production and service fields).
-
-odernization of laws and regulations of investment
encouragement
-
-mplementing a flexible investment law which provides
all sorts of exemptions and concessions which include
the following:
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Complete exemption from
customs fees for capital projects
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Freedom of capital transfer
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Simplify procedures through
a single outlet “One Stop Shop”
-
Grant exemptions from
profit taxes of 5 to 10 years for investment projects
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Grant customs exemptions
for strategic projects and non-strategic capital goods
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Strategic projects are
given the necessary land free-of-charge
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Non-strategic projects are
given land at an encouragement price
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The
investor has the right to operate without a Sudanese
partner
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The
investment law has provided the following fundamental
guarantees:
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No confiscation of property
will occur except through the legal system and after
payment of a reasonable compensation
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The investor has the right
to re-transfer the capital in case the project isn’t
executed or is liquidated
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Transfer of profits and
costs of finance will be executed in the currency of
import and on the date due (after payment of the legal
duties)
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The
project is automatically included in the registry of
importers and exporters.
Regional and
international agreements
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to promote the investment climate the Sudanese
government has established number of regional agreements
aimed at encouraging investment and creating trade
opportunities with other nations:
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Sudan joined the COMESA
trade bloc
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Sudan is looking forward to
joining the World Trade Organization
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Sudan is attempting to join
the Arab Free Trade Organization in 2007
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Sudan has strengthened
relations with regional and international organizations
and corps related to investment
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