H.E. Gamal M. Hassan, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Federal Government of Somalia, together with the Head of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) Secretariat, Mr. Liban Obsiye, acting in representation of the Minister of Finance and Chair of the Horn of Africa Initiative, H.E. Bihi Iman Egeh, officially launched a cycle of national consultations with national stakeholders to update the HoAI Regional Trade Facilitation roadmap. The stakeholders include government institutions, private sector representatives and development partners from the World Bank, the European Union, and the Germany Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Gamal M. Hassan underscored the importance of moving beyond dialogue and policy commitments toward tangible outcomes that facilitate trade and economic growth. He called for the development of a prioritized list of regional trade integration projects, organized across short-, medium-, and long-term timelines, to support direct engagement with neighboring countries and accelerate implementation.
The consultation forms part of the preparatory process for the upcoming HoAI Trade Ministers Meeting and provides an opportunity for Somalia to review and refine its priorities within the regional trade agenda.
Over the course of the three-day consultation, participants will review progress made under the existing Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap, including measures already implemented by member countries. Discussions will focus on identifying lessons learned, addressing remaining challenges, and proposing new actions for inclusion in the updated roadmap.
The Minister further stressed that trade facilitation should deliver concrete results on the ground, including improvements to trade infrastructure, border facilities, and cross-border connectivity. He noted that trade facilitation is a whole-of-government agenda requiring close coordination among trade, finance, customs, immigration, and other relevant institutions.
Reaffirming Somalia's commitment to regional integration, the Minister highlighted the Government's determination to facilitate the movement of goods and services across borders and to work with neighboring countries to address barriers that impede trade and connectivity.
The outcomes of the consultation will contribute to the revision of the Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap and inform discussions at the forthcoming HoAI Trade Ministers Meeting, supporting the collective objective of promoting trade, investment, and economic growth across the Horn of Africa.