Finance Minister Dr. Youssef Boutros Ghali Saturday 6/6/2009 called on African States to make use of the global economic crisis and redefine their policies toward the outside world with the aim of increasing growth rates in the future. 

Addressing the inaugural session of the 2nd joint meeting of the African Union conference of finance and economic ministers and the African Economic Committee Conference of African finance, planning and economic development ministers in Cairo, Ghali said the international community can not now override Africa after having realized the continent's resources.

It is high time the African nations would redefine their policies and views and make use of their resources, he added.

He referred to an increase in the economic growth rate in Africa over the past seven years ranging between five and six percent. The African States have abided by rationalizing their resources and wealth, he said.

Ghali called on the African nations to reconsider budget deficit to achieve a greater growth rate and create more job opportunities for the Africans.

(Source: Egypt State Information Service website)