Mogadishu — Somalia took a significant step toward transforming its trade landscape on Thursday, as the National Trade Facilitation Commission convened for a high-level technical meeting in the capital. The session, chaired by Kamal Gutale, Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, focused on accelerating reforms to enhance trade processes across the nation.
Held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Mogadishu, the meeting brought together senior officials and technical experts from various government ministries, agencies, and trade bodies. Discussions centered on removing bottlenecks in the trade ecosystem, streamlining import and export procedures, and leveraging technology to improve trade logistics.
In his opening remarks, Kamal Gutale underscored the Somali government’s commitment to bolstering the economy through efficient and transparent trade facilitation. “By creating an enabling environment for commerce and investment, we will empower local businesses and attract foreign investors,” Gutale said, emphasizing that trade reform is critical for long-term economic growth and job creation.
The technical committee also examined strategies for Somalia to align with international best practices on trade facilitation. Participants discussed simplifying licensing processes, reducing clearance times at ports and borders, and fostering closer collaboration between public agencies and the private sector.
The meeting comes at a time when Somalia is intensifying its drive toward economic modernization, in part through its ongoing collaboration with regional bodies and international partners. Strengthened trade facilitation, stakeholders noted, will not only bolster Somalia’s regional competitiveness but also lay the groundwork for sustained, inclusive development.
The session concluded with an agreement on priority actions and timelines for the implementation of the proposed trade reforms, reaffirming the government’s dedication to making Somalia a more business-friendly and economically resilient nation.