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Business Profile
Economy: Once described as the bread basket of the Arab world, Sudan is a country of high, though largely unrealised, economic potential which is presently crippled by civil war, a massive foreign debt of around US$25 billion, and climatic effects which have brought both drought and flooding. Agriculture employs most of the workforce, producing cotton – the major export – wheat, groundnuts, sorghum and sugar cane. Production of gum arabic, once an important product, has declined through the introduction of synthetic substitutes and increasing competition, particularly from West Africa. Livestock breeding has suffered from persistent drought. By late 2002, the country was suffering severe food shortages and will need substantial food aid during the next 12 months.
The manufacturing sector concentrates on processing the country’s agricultural output – sugar, for example – and the production of textiles, cement and some consumer goods. There are also sizeable onshore oil deposits: located in the mid-1990s, these came on stream in 1999. The steady growth in output has had an important effect on the conduct of the war as both sides adjust their strategies to take account of the potential revenues (or loss thereof). Other mineral deposits include marble, mica, chromite, gypsum and gold. The development of the Sudanese economy has been constrained by shortages of both water and power. The government has announced a major dam project and a new oil refinery which are intended to meet these needs.
Ultimately, Sudan relies on foreign aid to sustain its economy. Relations with the IMF have been rocky – Sudan was almost thrown out in the mid-1990s – but the Fund is now providing some financial support in exchange for a standard economic reform programme. Elsewhere, while the political posture of Sudan’s Islamic government has alienated Western governments, it can still rely on support from wealthy Arab states, notably Saudi Arabia. Nonetheless, the Islamic government’s economic programme has successfully achieved its principal targets of five-six per cent annual growth and inflation of below five per cent. Saudi Arabia is the largest exporter to Sudan, and is also a major recipient of Sudanese exports along with Egypt, Italy and Japan.
Business: Businessmen should wear a lightweight suit. Visiting business people should respect Muslim customs. It should be clearly stated in advance if the visitor is female. English is widely spoken in business circles although knowledge of a few words of Arabic will be well received. Punctuality is less important than patience and politeness. Personal introductions are an advantage; business cards should have an Arabic translation on the reverse. Office hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-1430.
Commercial Information: The following organisations can offer advice: Sudan Development Corporation (SDC), PO Box 710, 21 al-Amarat, Khartoum (tel: (11) 472 186 or 472 195; fax: (11) 472 148); or Sudan Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 81, Gamhoria Street, Khartoum 11114 (tel: (11) 772 346; fax: (11) 780 748; e-mail: chamber@sudanchamber.org; website: www.sudanchamber.org).
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
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