His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon today welcomed the business community as the engine of growth for the Somali economy as investors gathered in Nairobi for the two-day Somali Reconstruction and Investment Conference.
“Not long ago this event would have been unthinkable,” said the Prime Minister. “Today it sends a very powerful message to the world that Somalia is back and we are open for business. We welcome investors in all sectors of our economy.”
The Nairobi conference and exhibition, which includes government policymakers, international business leaders and development organisations, is endorsed by the Somali Ministry of Trade and Industry and is the first private-sector-led meeting to focus on investing in Somalia. Among the sectors featured are mining, oil exploration, banking, water, food security, retail and infrastructure
“As everyone knows, after decades of neglect our economy has been starved of investment. As a result there are many opportunities in different sectors, from energy and tourism to retail and banking. My message to the region, to the international community and to Somalis living around the world, is come and have a look. Surprise yourself. This is a reforming government picking up the pieces after years of war and do everything to create the most favourable conditions for new investment. Security is better than it has been for decades and the time is right to put Somalia back on the investment map.”
The Prime Minister noted another upcoming business conference focused on investment, security and infrastructure, due to be held in Nairobi on 17 June.
“Businesses there will be looking at opportunities in agriculture and livestock, oil and gas, mining, telecommunications and financial services, among others. Somalis thrive on business and this is the time,” the Prime Minister said.
ENDS
Ahmed Adan
Prime Minister’s Media Office
Mogadishu, Somalia
Email: media@opm.gov.so
Mobile: +252 (0) 616 440 028
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