Madagascar urges strong private sector in Africa

ANTANANARIVO, May 16 -- Malagasy President Marc Ravalomanana said here that Africa`s development would depend on a strong private sector.

"No country in the world has succeeded in its development without the private sector. Africa will not be an exception to this rule. Let`s act with full knowledge of this fact," he said at the opening of a roundtable discussion on African-Asian exchanges on Tuesday.

"We must work to make Africa a genuine attractive economic hub. That`s a decisive element both for the new leadership in Africa and to meet the challenges of globalisation," Ravalomanana said.

Citing his country as example, He said he had been implementing since 2002, "an ambitious economic programme to make Madagascar an attractive economic centre," with emphasis on a stronger private sector.

The Malagasy leader said African countries should be inspired by Asia`s experience.

"Africa needs a road network, railways, port and airport facilities. I have come to Shanghai to tell you that," he said, calling on donors to increase their support.

Ravalomanana stressed: "Your work is undoubtedly fantastic but it`s not enough to pull us out of underdevelopment. Both you and us should increase our imagination to help us build stable and modern democratic societies."

According to him: "The history of China is spectacular in many respects. Within a short time, the country has built a modern economy backed by sustained economic growth. We, Africans, should get inspiration from that. I am convinced that Africa`s take-off depends on a modern and strong private sector."

Other speakers at the forum included the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group President, Donald Kaberuka and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Executive Secretary Abdoulie Janneh. - ANGOP

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