Comoros leader calls for Arab investment Comoros leader calls on Arabs toinvest in his nation.

Byline: Mohammed Almezel

Dubai The president of a little known Arab island nation in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa, has called on Arab states to send envoys to his country, which joined the Arab League more than 16 years ago.

President of the Union of the Comoros, Ahmad Abdullah Sambi, said that it is difficult for his citizens to understand why Arab countries are reluctant to appoint ambassadors to this small and poor country, which is in dire need of investment.

The Comoros, which gained independence from France in 1975, is dependent on foreign aid and considered by the World Bank as one of the poorest countries in the world despite its rich and fertile soil, beautiful beaches and strategic location.

"The Comoros Islands is virgin land and any investor who comes here will no doubt thrive," President Sambi told Gulf News in an interview at his office in the capital Moroni. He called on Arab governments to support his country financially and politically.

aeMake a profit'

"We are the only Arab state in this region. It is important that they come here and help us. We need their expertise, we need investments in education [and] capital to spur business growth. We don't want free gifts or aid; what we are saying is, aecome here to do business and make a profit'."

He said his country can finally boast stability following two decades of coups and political crises. But development and spurring growth remain the most difficult challenges for the Comoros, with a budget of 40 million euros (Dh218 million), of which 80 per cent goes to government employee salaries.

"It is true that Comoran citizens still suffer from poverty and backwardness, but we hope our Arab brothers would support and help us in the various fields," the President said.

Full interview on Page 14

Al Nisr Publishing LLC 2009. All rights reserved.

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company