Indicators of Convergence (1997-2004)

THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SUDANESE ECONOMY FOR THE PERIOD 1997- DECEMBER 2004 UNDER THE MONETARY HARMONIZATION PROGRAM (M.H.P.)‏

The Sudanese Economy performed relatively high during the period 1997-Dec. 2004 with an average real GDP growth of 6.5%. This is mainly due to the increase in the contribution of Agricultural & Services Sectors to the GDP, by 44.5% and 30.2% respectively by the end of the year 2004. The attached major financial & economic indicators for the period under consideration reflect the positive progress of the economy.

1- Exchange Rate Policy: - The policy adopted resulted in a full unification of the exchange rate. Now banks and exchange bureaus are allowed to transact freely & determine the buying and selling rates according to the market forces. Furthermore, from mid 1999, the exchange rate of Sudanese Dinar is stable around SDD 257 per dollar. Also there are no restrictions on holdings of foreign currencies except on processing the rendered data for statistical purposes.

2- Growth Rate Of Broad Money: - Broad money grew by 37%, 29%, 24.6%, 32.9%, 26%, 30.3%, 30.3% and 30.8% for the years1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 respectively. This was mainly attributed to the rigorously monitored monetary & fiscal policies implemented during this period. On the other hand, monetary policy instruments used were as follows: - a- Statutory Reserve Requirements. b- Profit Margins for Murabaha Finance. c- Central Bank Musharaka certificates (CMCs) d- Government Musharaka Certificates (GMCs)).

3- Inflation Rate: - Inflation rate declined to 8.5% on average for Dec. 2004 compared to 12.6% on average for Sept. 2004. Therefore, monetary and fiscal policies will be directed to contain the increase and reduce it to the normal leve