Transcription of the interview with
Dr. Shambol Adlan
Minister of Civil Aviation

Q: Khartoum used to be a thriving international hub, but its regional importance has declined. Would you mind giving us an overview of the amount of traffic with international carriers through Khartoum ?

A: We used to have British Airways, Alitalia, Swissair. But due to the low levels of capital here, they left to more capable, capitalized countries. Although in the past we used to have about six flights per week to London.

Q: Obviously as the economy improves, it is expected that more international carriers will come to Sudan, are you of this view?

A: Due to the discovery of petroleum, Sudan can now trigger a lot of development, with regard to some of its other resources. As well as the high and rich potentiality of the country there are abundant resources such as animal resources, agricultural resources, and water resources. In my view these resources are more rewarding than petroleum, as 90% of the Sudanese land is fertile. Take the Gezira scheme in Medani, for example, which is considered one of the largest schemes in the world. There in Medani there is a large amount of water there and indeed, water is becoming one of our most important resources. And we do not face any problems regarding water.

Q: In terms of the role of Sudan as a benchmark: Sudan's resources may be important to both the African world and the Arab world in terms of being the breadbasket for many countries in the region, and producing fruit and wheat etc. How do you see Sudan and this potential and how does all this effect your sector and air traffic?

A: As I said Sudan's natural resources are very rich. Being a bridge between Africa and the Arab world helps in the bringing together of both of these worlds. Therefore, they can integrate and adopt each others resources and capabilities in order to increase their economies. This will show that none of these countries is isolated. It will also help us create standards that can help us compete with the western world. Sudan is a bridge for those who want to share in these economical and social aspects. We are a bond between both regions. Because of the world-wide tendency of adopting the free market economy with liberalization and privatization, we can compete with each other freely. In addition to globalization these factors are making the world into a small village. So if we do not develop and promote our resources to a standard that satisfies our local people, and to have an eminent role in the contribution of the world economy, we will not move forward nor have any economic development. So we have an important role to play in that aspect. Being a bridge between the African and Arab world, we are trying to associate both cultures and to raise their awareness towards their regional issues.

Q: Do you think there is still a lot to be done?

A: There is a lot to be done, because the idea of having the region on-line is new. Europe has done it recently, maybe for ten years now. They found out that they could not compete with the big American companies, so they had to provide on-line services, and also to have mega companies reducing costs. The big companies, for example, in Africa and the Middle East, and Asia have to follow this pattern or they will lose. I think what they should do is to develop more understanding of their own financial systems and to adopt free-market economy policies.

Q: How do you see Sudan's competitive potential of development?

A: As I said Sudan is very rich and due to globalization it is now easier to acquire, utilize and use knowledge as a tool to improve our resourccs. We are potentially rich with resources and the tools are certainly there. All we need now is to raise the awareness of our people about the importance of their attitudes and their knowledge about their work. As well as being productive and cost conscious and loyal to their country, it is a national issue that has to be adopted by all. What I want to point out is that we have to develop our people and resources in the right way, so that we can have the ability to compete on fair grounds.

Q: In terms of development and promotion of these potentials of the Sudan, how do you see your laws and investment policies in this aspect?

A: One of the key issues in developing the resources is to develop the infrastructure itself. Transport infrastructures are critical to development in general. Air transport is an optimum option, and because Sudan is a very big country and the railway & highway network is not very good it is easier to develop and build airports than to have a weak network.

Q: It is cheaper on the long-term?

A: Air transport is cheaper and saves a lot of time but it also helps in the export of things such as agriculture and animal products. This is why air transport is better option as these products can be transported faster and remains fresh and healthy.. Therefore, if we can manage to capitalize our potential in agriculture and animal products, and produce healthy products with the help of natural fertilizers, we can help our economy to grow. We are blessed with being able to produce healthy foods due to the natural fertility of our lands. Next comes improving links with carriers. This will help immensely in the transporting and exporting of goods and support the exchanging of cultures between countries. Sudan has many tribes and cultures, and if we link them together they can have a better chance of knowing each others cultures and learning and growing.

Q: To what extent do you think that will be the answer to your question?

A: people are linked and are exchanging cultures and trade more and more, and this will solve a lot of problems. Another thing is that this will help in the developing of the primary needs of life. It will also help in the even distribution of resources which in turn will enhance peace.

Q: What role can the UK play in terms of carriers, transport links, airport, and infrastructure?

A: It can support the access to technology where we can cut down the costs of operations in the airlines and also with the marketing of our products in Europe. The British are affectionate towards the Sudanese due to our historical past. Most Sudanese like British products because of the quality of these products. However, the British support was not enough due to the distorted propaganda from western media. The distorted image of Sudan that the media created was unfair. There is a lot of missing information. We felt left out because the British know us more than anybody else as I have mentioned before. What I advise is that people must come to Sudan and see for themselves the real situation. Airlines and aviation link countries together, and help in the exchange of culture and trade, through either business travels, tourism. Our main link to other countries is through air transport. Links to the UK are some of our oldest links. These also serve as our chance to reflect and show our culture as well as to trade to the European market. We used to have six flights to the UK now we have less but we hope to improve this.

Q:What are you happening to improve this relationship?

A: We are now opening the doors for the exchanging of new ideas with British investors. We have quite a number of friends there.

Q: What would be the significance were British Airways to resume flights?

A: We welcome the idea, and we are trying to convince them to resume flights. This will help in the broadening of our market. As British Airways has a better network and can help in the transport of our passenger and cargo. That in turn will help in the marketing of our products. That means more people and more investors in Sudan. That helps in the technical and commercial development of the Sudan. In the past we had a problem in developing our resources because we did not have enough money to acquire the necessary facilities and equipment to help. But if we can have all the facilities and equipment such as tractors, as well as the technology, then that in itself helps in promoting and developing our resources. If we have business with other countries, this shows that Sudan is good in both developing and investing.

Q: What would you like to tell the British about doing business here?

A: There are a lot of things that need to be done. First to establish a good relationship between both countries. Britain is well ahead of Sudan in the technological aspect. Sudan is rich with natural resources. So if we combine and mix both resources, both parties we will benefit.

Q: What is the main benefit for the Sudan of enhancing this relationship?

A: Sudan will definitely benefit from Britain's support. With combining both, we will produce the best quality of products. If we transfer the know-how from a developed country, the result will be excellent.

Q: My last question is, what do you hope to achieve during your term at the Ministry?

A: I would like to be the first provider of air transport and associated services to African countries, the Arab world and the Sudan. To upgrade our services by providing the best, the most effective and safest air transport.

Q: You have an opportunity to speak directly to the UK and potential investors there, so what will be your personal message to them?

A: What I would like to say is that they have to change their attitudes and impression towards Sudan. To have the right impression, and evaluate fairly, they have to come and see for themselves. Welcome.