Malaysia leads way in Sudan.(Brief Article)

THE Jan 6 issue of the World Report, a supplement produced for the London daily The Independent ran an article headlined "Lessons to learn from the Malaysian model". It highlighted Malaysia's efforts to help Sudan smooth over its transition from dependence on aid to economic self-reliance.

The article said that Sudan was a major recipient of foreign aid from international financial institutions and the United States until 1990.

Then the flow of funds virtually dried up, except for emergency relief, when the country faced economic isolation.

The enforced self-reliance proved an unexpected catalyst for profound change.

The article quoted the Minister of Industry and Investment, Dr Abdul Halim Ismail al-Mutaafi, as saying that the drop in overseas aid forced the Sudanese government to adopt a free market policy. …