SUR International Investment Company’s Vast Investment, “Fully Integrated Military Textile Complex (SUR TEXTILE MILLS)” Opened in Sudan
The opening of the fully integrated military textile complex of the SUR International Investment Company established by Turkish, Sudanese and Qatari partnership, launched into operation in Sudan’s Hasahisa city was accomplished by Sudan President Marshall Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir on January 24, 2016.
The opening of the Sur Textile Mills complex which promises great hope for Sudan and the whole region was conducted with the participation of Turkish, Qatari and Sudanese senior delegations. Deputy Minister of Defense Şuay Alpay represented Turkey at the opening ceremony officially.
In his remark at the ceremony Sudan President Omar Al-Bashir emphasized that the SUR Textile Mills complex was a very special facility equipped with high-end technology. President Al-Bashir expressed that this complex was an important and great step towards the country’s textile industry’s leap and added that the textile industry in the country was one of the most important areas of industry affecting the social life and in addition to its creating employment, it brought many advantages to the society as it increases the life standards and contributes to the development of the country’s economy. Moreover, Sudan President Al-Bashir stated that he appreciated the support of Turkish and Qatari governments in the actualization of this Project and called for increasing and strengthening these types of partnerships. Al-Bashir, added that the Presidency would be continuing to support this type of projects.
During his speech at the opening ceremony, Defense Minister of Sudan, Full General Awad Muhammed Ahmed Binouf mentioned that the launch of this factory would be contributing to the establishment of the industry in the city and following the fulfillment of country’s needs, they would also be tending towards exports. Speaking of his appreciation of the institutions and partners contributing to factory’s revision, Minister Binouf, underlined that in terms of production efficiency the factory would be fulfilling the military requirements of the country while providing intermediate products to textile factories and concluded that this opening was the start of a great leap which would be covering all areas.
Republic of Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Defense Şuay Alpay expressed Turkey’s happiness regarding the opening of the Sur Textile Mills complex and emphasized that this project has been the best example of the competition between three countries. Alpay conveyed Republic of Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s congratulations on the opening of the facilities and stated that this cooperation between Sudan – Turkey – Qatar had to be carried further since Sudan is an important gate opening to Africa while announcing that they aimed to increase the cooperation with Sudan one of the most dynamic economics of Africa and which is among the privileged countries for Turkey.
Representing the Qatar Defense Ministry Brigadier General Muhammed Bin Khalifah Al-Kuwari stated that Qatar was determined to revitalize the industry depending on natural resources while mentioning that Qatar had obligations towards Sudan. Underlining that the Sur Textile Mills complex reflected the social solidarity among the three countries Al-Kuwari said that Qatar would be investing in Sudan with the same determination and that the opening of the Sur Textile Mills complex was only the start of the cooperation between the two countries. Al-Kuwari declared that over five thousand workers would be employed at the Sur Textile Mills complex and added that they wished to extend the size of this employment opportunity.
Sur International Investment General Manager Oktay Ercan said, “As SUR company, our greatest goal is to become a world brand in military and institutional textile. Textile is considered as one of the most important sectors in a country’s development. It is a significant investment opportunity for heavily populated countries capable of cotton production. Textile sector plays an important role in a country’s employment, thus it should be regarded as a cure for unemployment. At the same time, with the help of the sub-industries it creates, textile provides substantial added value to economies. When we examine the economies of the developing countries of the world, we see that textile sector is a leading sector besides the natural resources of energy. Therefore, as SUR company, we decided to expand our investments in Sudan at the heart of COMESA market of 300 million with its high popularity, cotton production, affordable energy and labor facilities”. Ercan expressed that they launched the construction activities in June 2014, and that they were cherishing the joy of completing the construction within such a short period of 18 months and extended his gratitude to those who contributed to the procedure.
To the opening ceremony hosting over a thousand guests, over 200 participants arrived from Turkey and Qatar by private jets. During the ceremony, SUR Company’s General Manager Oktay Ercan presented plaques to the institutions and associations that contributed to the realization of the Sur Textile Mills complex. And Sudan President Al-Bashir awarded the General Manager of SUR Company Oktay Ercan with the “Meritorious Service Medal”.
