World Bank: Sudan could become rich when US sanctions are lifted

The World Bank Country Director for Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan, Carolyn Turk, said on Monday that Sudan could become a “rich country” after the US sanctions have been lifted, Anadolu reported.

In a statement issued by the Sudanese Ministry of Welfare and Social Security, Turk said that she expected the poor in the country could become “producers.” In January, the US decided to lift its 20-year sanctions on Sudan, but kept the country on the list of “states sponsoring terrorism”. It also maintained military sanctions.

Sudan has been trying to tackle poverty through direct support for a network of social welfare projects in addition to offering a government-run micro- finance project providing small-loans for the poor. The latest official statistic show that 46.4% Sudanese live under poverty line, Anadolu said.

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Sudan is one of the few countries which has confirmed reserves of more than 30 minerals, including gold. Last year, the country produced 93.4 tons of gold.

“This is a critical moment for Sudan’s development efforts,” said Turk. “We at the World Bank look forward to supporting Sudan in seizing the opportunities that are now on the horizon,” she added.

Turk also praised the Sudanese cooperation with the World Bank. “We appreciate the openness of the Sudanese authorities to our technical assistance and policy advice and look forward to continuing our dialogue in Washington at the Spring Meetings,” she said.

The World Bank’s Spring meetings discussing Sudan, South Sudan and Ethiopia and are scheduled to begin from 21th-23rd of next month.