CHAD COUNTRY BRIEF

INTERNAL

Political
Chad became a Republic on 28.11.1958. The 1989 Constitution was suspended in December 1990 when President Idriss Deby seized power. Chad has a nominal multiparty system since 1992. In actual practice, President Idriss Deby dominates the political system. Endemic security problems have eased amid increasing constitutional stability while sharp regional and ethnic divisions remain.

In April 1993, a National Conference drew up a new multiparty constitution, which was approved by a national referendum conducted in April 1996. President Idriss Deby won the Presidential election in July 1996 with 69% of the vote and his party obtained absolute majority in the Parliament. With support from both France and Libya, Deby has proved to be the most successful of Chad's post-independence leaders. Presidential and Legislative elections are due in June 2001.

Economy
After decades of endemic poverty, Chad is considered as one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. Economic prospects have been severely hampered by a combination of minimal infrastructure, limited natural and human resources, weak and misadministration, chronic politico-military conflict since independence.

Agriculture makes up 37% of GDP and the contribution to GDP of the industrial sector is about 14%. Commerce represents 38% of GDP and occupies 15% of the population. Most of the manufactured goods are imported from France, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and UAE. GDP growth rate has increased from 1% in 1995 to 7% in 1998 since the devaluation of the CFA Franc in 1994 and an associated improvement in relations with donors and multilateral agencies.

The economy is dependent on two products, viz. cotton and livestock. Chad is the second largest gum Arabic exporter in the world after Sudan. Now, with the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline project, which started in October 2000, Chad will be able to export 225,000 barrels of crude per day upon its completion in 2003. Chad has proven reserves of over 1 billion barrels.

Chad's total exports grew from US$ 211 million in 1997 to US$ 288 million in 1999 while imports increased from US$ 283 million in 1997 to US$ 359 million 1999.

Foreign Policy
Chad's relations with its neighbours Nigeria and Cameroon have improved with the easing of the fuel crisis. Relations with its major donor France have improved with the award of 60% of the US$ 3.7 billion contracted awarded so far connected with the Doda oil pipeline project.

Chad's relations with Libya will remain complex due to Libya's involvement with Chadian politics and killings of some Chadians in September 2000. About 4,000 Chadians were repatriated from Libya to Chad in October 2000. The dominant position of the US companies in the oil consortium is also likely to improve the relations between Chad and the US.

BILATERAL

Political
India's relations with Chad have been rather limited. Minister of Education of Chad A.B. Hamid and Director of Education A.A. Abdurrahman visited India in September 1997 under the sponsorship of UNESCO.

ECONOMIC

Trade
India's exports to Chad grew from Rs. 83.9 million in 1995-96 to Rs. 341 million in 1999-2000. India's imports from Chad also grew from Rs. 0.19 million in 1995-96 to Rs. 8.97 million in 1997-98. Main items of India's exports are pharmaceuticals, chemicals, gems and jewellery. Main items of India's imports from Chad are cotton, raw hides and skin etc. India was the 4th largest origin of imports for Chad, with a share of 3.9% of total imports in 1998.

Project Exports:
Bharat Heavy Industries have supplied 331 kms of pipes for the oil refinery project.

ITEC
Chad has been allotted a few slots under ITEC Programme under the Ministry's pool for short-term training programmes in India.

Recruitment of Indian Experts
About 90 technicians have joined in oil refinery projects in Chad in September/October 2000.

Indian Community
There are about 120 Indians working in oil refinery projects, international organizations, missionaries, and engaged in trade in Chad.

Related Links
India and Benin Republic
India and Cameroon
India and Chad
Benin Fact Sheet
Cameroun Fact Sheet
Chad Fact Sheet
Nigeria Fact Sheet