Dubai: Somaliland opened on Monday a trade office in Dubai as the country works to boost its trade ties with the UAE.

The trade office will offer import and export advice to help Somaliland companies in the UAE, and will support investment between the African country and the UAE.

“The UAE is our main trading partner in the region, and this is an important landmark in our relationship — one that has been in the making for some time now,” said Somaliland’s President Muse Behi Abdi, who was speaking at a press conference to announce the new office.

“Dubai is the main transit hub for goods destined to Somaliland, and with many of our traders based out of the city, it serves as our principle financial centre for trading with the rest of the world.”

The President added that the trade office will promote already-growing trade ties between the two countries. He said bilateral trade stands at around $300 million to $400 million (Dh1.1 billion to Dh1.47 billion).

Abdi is currently in Dubai on an official visit, on which he has been accompanied by various ministers from Somaliland, to discuss strengthening cooperation with the UAE. His delegation has also met with representatives from DP World over a dispute started by Somalia, whose government is attempting to ban the ports operator from operating in Somaliland.

Speaking on the matter on Friday, Abdi stressed that the deal with DP World will be implemented and that Somaliland is an independent nation.

On Monday, the president also said that the UAE will invest in development projects in Somaliland, without disclosing details.

Gulf News

The recent DP World investment in Ber-bera Port is the largest single direct foreign investment in Somaliland so far. In this join investment, shares will be divided as follows: DP World 51%, Somaliland 30% and Ethiopia 19%. This investment will have many positive outcomes for Somaliland in terms of new revenue, overall economy, stability, recognition, and future foreign investments. In the following paragraphs, I will highlight the most essential benefits that Somaliland will reap from this investment.

Revenue

Before DP World investment, Ber-bera Port’s capacity was 40,000 meter ton, generating $175 million annually. But DP World will expand the Port’s capacity to 200,000 meter ton, five-times its original capacity, according to the agreement. This expansion will generate $875 million annually—which is five-times more than what the Port was generating before DP World. In addition, the expansion of the Port will attract more shipping lines to Ber-bera Port which will generate additional revenues. This will undeniably spur regional economic growth by attracting investments and trade in the warehousing, logistics, manufacturing and other businesses. Moreover, Dubai will assist Somaliland (re)build the road between Somaliland and Ethiopia; the development of a free-zone area; grant Somaliland workers ‘favorable migration terms’ in order for them to work in Dubai; build fisheries industry; erect four-star hotel in Ber-bera or Hargeisa. These benefits will surely bump up Somaliland’s economic growth in the near future.

Technological Transfer

Technological transfer is the process of disseminating technology from one company or country to another. In this context, DP World will transfer technologies, knowledge, skills, equipments, tools, and modern management techniques to Somaliland. This technological transfer will modernize Port’s operations in many different ways. It will provide modern technologies, equipments and tools needed to sufficiently operate the port. It will also introduce the modern management system of ports and other sectors. Both of these aspects will enhance and accelerate the productivity of the port as well as its proficiency. In addition, Somaliland labor force, from many different sectors, will master how to operate these new technologies; they will master an advanced and modern management system; sharpen their communication skills; transform their newly acquired knowledge. In a nutshell, technological transfer will boost Somaliland economy.

Attracting Foreign Investment

Countless companies around the world were not previously confident to invest in Somaliland. They have worried about the risk involved in investing “unrecognized” country. But their worries have been mitigated due to the recent investment of DP World in Somaliland. Before investing in Somaliland, DP World has done extensive study on Somaliland which revealed Somaliland’s political stability and rule of law. Therefore, DP World has realized that there is no risk involved in investing Somaliland. This means that DP World has paved the way for other foreign investors. In other words, other companies will follow the footsteps of DP World and will soon start investing in Somaliland. This is an unprecedented success for Somaliland.

Strengthening Independence

The DP World’s investment in Somaliland has, loudly and clearly, proven Somaliland’s independence. The agreement between DP World and Somaliland has shown that Somaliland is independent country that can engage in international deals without regard to Mogadishu’s government. It is indeed the last nail to Somalia’s irredentism coffin. That is to say, DP World’s agreement has ended Mogadishu’s claim for controlling Somaliland territory. This has causes desperate uproar in Mogadishu’s parliament and government. Mogadishu has desperately attempted to stop the agreement, but to no avail. Their desperate begging and pleading has repeatedly fallen on deaf ears. DP World unequivocally told Mogadishu’s government that Somaliland is an independent country and does not need any approval from Mogadishu. “We are not concerned,” says DP World’s Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, “the objections of Somalia’s Federal Government. Somaliland is an independent country for the last 28 years. It is very stable country. It has a vibrant democratic system.” The Chairman added that “Our project won the endorsement of Somaliland’s Parliament. Somalia’s Federal Government cannot change anything about this agreement. Whatever they say would have no effect on this agreement.” This demonstrates beyond any reasonable doubt Somaliland’s independence and authority to enter any agreement with foreign investors or foreign governments. It is another success for Somaliland.

Ethiopia’s Role

Whether we like it or not, Ethiopia is a regional power to reckon with. And its share of Ber-bera Port will provide many essential benefits for Somaliland. First, the agreement enumerates that landlocked Ethiopia will invest Ber-bera Port as a trade gateway. Since Ethiopia has a share in the Port, it will become its sea route which will help both Somaliland’s and Ethiopia’s economic growth. Second, since Ethiopia invested in Somaliland, Ethiopia will assist Somaliland strengthen its peace and stability. Ethiopia will not tolerate any regional authorities, Mogadishu’s government, or enemies to sabotage Somaliland’s stability. Lastly, Ethiopia and Dubai will work closely together to ensure Somaliland’s recognition provided that the Port attains its intended objectives.

In conclusion, DP World’s investment in Ber-bera Port is a success story which will have positive effects in Somaliland’s economy, stability, recognition and future foreign investments.

Abdi Hussein Daud
Minneapolis, MN
He can be reached at: abdihdaud@yahoo.com

The opposition National Party chairman Hon.Abdirahman Mohammed Abdillahi  (Irro)  speaking during an interview with Horn Cable television  journalist  Mr. Hamse Ali Bulbul confirmed his party stance on  Somaliland independence. Hon. Irro stated that his party fully supports  the independence of Somaliland, he went further to criticize Somalia

government open interference in Somaliland sovereignty.

When asked why he did not accompany president Musa Bihi to UAE he had  this to say “The president called the two opposition parties because he  had received an urgent invitation for an official tour so he requested  us to go with him. However on my part I had some misgivings which  stopped me from going; firstly my party was not invited to attend the  previous meetings in the UAE, secondly the president caught me by  surprise before I could consult my party top officials.”

Hon.Irro  lashed at Somalia government meddling in Somaliland internal  affairs he said “Our conscience is clear my party Wadani is fully behind

the independence of Somaliland, its supports the unity of her people and  the landmarks of Somaliland borders is nonnegotiable.”

The opposition chief stated that his National Party (Wadani) is abides

by Somaliland constitution and supports the power bestowed by it to the  government to initiate economic development deals and bilateral relations with any parastatal, company or country.

“The Somalia government should know that Somaliland attained her independence from Britain on 26th June 1960. Frankly speaking when Somaliland united with Somalia it was not forced by the barrel of the gun and today no one can command it to rejoin Somalia.”

The opposition boss went further to clear the air about his party

ideology pertaining the agreements reached by the former Kulmiye administration he had this to say “We only want all agreements to be transparent so that the opposition party can also review them to see if they have any substance to add to Somaliland general well-being.

The National Party chairman criticized the agreements reached by the  government with DP World he stated “We were told the former president a  Mr. Silanyo signed an agreement with DP World now we hear the current  president H.E Musa Bihi Abdi is signing a deal with DP World the opposition have been kept in the dark. Let them come clean and put the  deal on the table for us to scrutinize. Another issue of concern is our  opposition to these sprouting of military bases in our country which my  party fears will embroil us in an arms race. This country is not ready to become a theatre of war games amongst different warring foreign countries.”

Horn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsAei4et_x0

Almost 28 years ago, Somaliland had declared its independence from Somalia following a brutal civil war and the collapse of the Siad Barre regime in Somalia. Since then, the country went through five elections and five presidents, and every one of them had promised to secure international recognition for the breakaway region.

Somalilanders have heard about countless meetings that were conducted with external actors including the government of Somalia. Unfortunately, no tangible outcome materialized from those meetings and no details or reports were released rendering the analysis of the failures near impossible.

It is about time that Somaliland attempts a different method and take a play from Israel’s playbook. In November 2012, a resolution was voted upon in the general assembly to recognize Palestine as a state; 193 nations voted in that resolution with only nine states voting against it. Among those nine nations were Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau,and Nauru.

These tiny pacific islands voted for the state of Israel in United Nations assembly defying the economical threats of the Arab countries despite none of these countries having a jewish population. How did a tiny nation like Israel convince these far away small islands to vote alongside them?

This achievement is due to Israel adapting Mashav which is a strategy centered on aiding smaller nations to build good well. It is about time that Somaliland adapts similar strategies to obtain the elusive international recognition. Even though Somaliland is not a rich country, it has a huge strategic geopolitical location as a trade gateway to Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi for a total potential market of 186 million people. Furthermore, Somaliland could offer assistance to these island nations which are facing climate change challenges. The total population of these islands is about 173,202 thus lending assistance would not be very difficult. Somaliland could even go as far as promising dual citizenship to the likes of Nauru with a population of 13,049 as a contingency for the rising seas.

Thinking outside the box is becoming an imperative. Therefore, a new think tank comprising Somaliland’s elite need to draw a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely) roadmap to overcome the current stagnation.

Maxamed A. X. Dado  CIS, MIS, MBA

H. Abdi Dado Investments

General Director

Cell: 615-602-3531

A drilling rig in the Miran block in Iraqi Kurdistan co-owned by Genel Energy and Heritage Oil. Genel may start drilling in Somaliland next year, it said. Sebastian Meye/Corbis

LONDON (Reuters) – Kurdistan-focused Genel Energy (GENL.L) might start drilling in Somaliland next year, Chief Executive Murat Ozgul said on Thursday, as the group reported 2017 results broadly in line with expectations.

“For the long term, I really like (our) Somaliland exploration assets. It’s giving me a sense of Kurdistan 15 years ago,” Ozgul said in a phone interview. “In 2019 we may be (starting) the drilling activities.”

Chief Financial Officer Esa Ikaheimonen said Genel will focus spending money from its $162 million cash pile on its existing assets in Kurdistan but added: “You might see us finding opportunities… somewhere outside Kurdistan.”

A budding dispute over plans to develop a port in Somaliland risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa region, the semi-autonomous territory’s foreign minister said.

Saad Ali Shire’s comments raise the stakes in a standoff between Somaliland and Somalia, which this month declared the planned harbor illegal. The impasse could also jeopardize Ethiopia’s bid to reduce its reliance on neighboring Djibouti as its main trade route through the Red Sea and the United Arab Emirates’ plans to extend its military influence in the region.

DP World Ltd., Dubai’s state-owned port operator, won a 30-year concession in 2016 for the port at Berbera on Somaliland’s coast, which will cost as much as $442 million. Ethiopia’s government took a 19 percent stake in the project. Somalia, which doesn’t recognize Somaliland’s 1991 declaration of autonomy, dismissed the deal as “non-existent, null and void.”

“If Somalia decides to invade Somaliland” over the development of the port, “then we will have the right to defend our territory,” Shire said in a phone interview from Abu Dhabi on March 17, where he was part of a Somaliland delegation meeting Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan, the U.A.E.’s deputy prime minister. “That confrontation of course will not be limited to us.”

U.A.E. Bases

Berbera, which will host a U.A.E. military airport and naval base, is located on the Gulf of Aden, 260 kilometers (162 miles) south of Yemen, where U.A.E. troops in a Saudi Arabia-led coalition are battling Houthi rebels.

The naval base is expected to be completed in June, according to Shire, who said he couldn’t comment on when the U.A.E. navy will start using it. Abdulla Darwish, managing director of Sharjah-based Divers Marine Contracting LLC, which is constructing the base, didn’t respond to two requests for comment sent to his mobile phone.

U.A.E. Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn agreed to work together on security in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East in March 7 talks in the capital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s ruling party-funded Fana Broadcasting Corp. reported.

Shire told reporters in Dubai on Monday that Ethiopia’s acquisition of a stake in the port was “a symbol of recognition.” Somaliland’s declaration of autonomy from Somalia, which took place amid a civil war, has yet to be recognized by any other nation.

The stake is “not related to sovereignty or recognition of Somaliland,” Ethiopian Transport Minister Ahmed Shide said by phone on Tuesday. He also played down the possibility of any conflict over the harbor, as “the parties will eventually understand this is about economic development.”

An agreement for the U.A.E. to train Somaliland’s police and security forces is being finalized, according to Shire, who declined to comment on how many personnel will receive training or the character of the training. Hamza Mohamed, a consultant to the Somaliland police’s special-protection and rapid-response units, said Somaliland’s police commander was part of the delegation that traveled to Abu Dhabi and discussed police training with senior U.A.E. police commanders.

Abdisaid Ali, national security adviser to Somalia’s president, Nafisa Santur, senior political adviser to the prime minister, and Liban Osman Abdirahman, a member of Somalia’s parliamentary defense committee, each didn’t respond to three emails requesting comment.

Arms Embargo

The U.A.E. has also been building a military base in Eritrea, United Nations investigators said in a Nov. 8 report to the UN Security Council. The bases violate arms embargoes on Somalia and Eritrea, the investigators said.

“As far as coordination the work between the base in Eritrea and the base in Somaliland, that’s a matter for the U.A.E.,” Shire said. Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel didn’t respond to two emails seeking comment.

Planned talks between Somaliland and Somalia, including on the “final status” of their relationship are on hold because “there’s no point sitting across the table in this sort of atmosphere,” Shire said.

— With assistance by Zainab Fattah

Bloomberg

Said Adan Ali, 64, grew up herding the family’s livestock and had spent his entire life as a nomadic pastoralist until he took up fishing along the Berbera coast in Somaliland at the end of last year.

Changing circumstances due to prolonged and perennial drought forced him to change from his culturally proud lifestyle and turn to the sea. He is glad he made the move.

“There is nothing now in the rural areas, the livestock are killed by the drought every year,” Said declared.

All of Said’s family livestock died in the drought. By July, he had decided to give up the nomadic way of life and to leave his family in Mandera, 100 km west of Berbera, while he looked for a different way of earning a living.

He worked as a porter at Berbera port for a while, but then joined some relatives who had already been attracted into fishing. They taught him everything he needed to know in just 10 days.

“We earn more than we used to get from livestock,” Said told Radio Ergo. “I would have come to the coast earlier on if I knew fishing was more productive than the pastoralism life. We don’t need big investments to start fishing and it takes no time at all to make a profit.”

When other fishermen finish their day’s work, Said works overtime to cover his family’s needs. He earns around 100 Somaliland shillings a day ($10). He hopes to bring his family to Berbera in the next two months to enroll his children in a local school.

Income from his fishing has already enabled his family to set up a new stall in Mandera, selling small items. Three of his older children now attend school in the village.

Fadhi, another pastoralist for over 30 years, told Radio Ergo he found fishing much easier than livestock keeping.

Some days he sends fish to his family back home. These families never used to eat fish, as the prices are high and it is usually hard to find fish in the rural areas.

All the new fishermen Radio Ergo interviewed said that they are happy to be working in fishing and did not miss their previous way of life.

According to the coordinator of the ministry of fishing in Sahil region (previously North-western region), Ismail Mohamed, 270 men, who lost their livestock in the prolonged drought, have turned to fishing in Berbera in the past two months. They come from Mandera, Lasidle Abdaal, Ma’aneye, Lafarug and Gololey in Togdheer and Sahil regions. Their arrival brings the number of fishermen in Berbera to 2,500.

The Somaliland ministry of fishing donated 50 nets and fishing equipment to the new fishermen, funded by the European Union. The first pastoralists to arrive at the coast last August were given priority. The ministry of fishing does not tax their income and there are no license requirements.

Fadhi Mohamed and his family of eight also suffered the effects of drought in the rural area of Lafarug, 85 km west of Berbera. Only 50 of his herd of 200 goats survived the drought. Fadhi decided to come to the coast to fish, leaving his family to tend for the remaining skinny goats nobody wanted to buy.

A relative working on the Berbera coast for 12 years trained him in fishing skills in October. Fadhi told Radio Ergo he is planning to sell off his goats as soon as he can get a buyer to buy a small boat. He aims to earn enough income to become independent of his relatives.

Radio Ergo

Hargeisa—Iran released on Sunday at least two dozens of young men believed to be from Somali peninsula, HadhWanaag News reports.

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, speaking to a joint session of the East African nation’s bi-cameral parliament, Sunday, confirmed that Somaliland indefinitely puts a stopper to the talks due to what he called a naked aggression which Somalia mounted against Somaliland.

“A resumption of the talks was scheduled to begin on March 19, 2018. We stopped that because the Mogadishu administration has mounted an unwarranted (political) offensive against our nationhood,” President Musa Bihi Abdi said.

The Somalia government started a war of attrition targeting the Republic of Somaliland’s resolve to make the 28-year old restoration of its independence an internationally recognized reality.

The Federal government President, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, and its Prime Minister Hassan Kheyrre, both repeatedly criticized an agreement which Somaliland entered with the UAE-owned DP World. On March 1, the agreement, which has been ratified by the Somaliland parliament on August 9, last year, was re-drawn and signed granting neighboring Ethiopia a 19-percent stake on the Berbera seaport development deal.

On March 5, the Lower House of the Mogadishu-based Federal government of Somalia backed the two top leaders direct opposition to the Somaliland deal with the UAE and Ethiopia despite the fact that the two sides agreed in 2014 not to interfere with or politicize each other’s development programs.

On March 15, Somalia’s Senate House concurred the Lower House Bill to ban the DP World from entry to ‘Somalia’, conveniently ignoring the fact that Somalia had not the least jurisdiction over Somaliland affairs since January 1991.

The Republic of Somaliland is a de facto so recognized by the international community whose successful, democracy, form of government, stability and law and order starkly contrasts the weak, chaotic semblance of administration in Mogadishu which is supported politically, militarily and economically by the international community at a stupendous cost.

Somtribune

By Ahmed Abdi

Hargeisa— Somaliland is considering to expel United Nations Organizations working in Somaliland over dissatisfaction, reports say.

“President Muse Bihi Abdi selected a committee chaired by the Vice President Abdirahman Saylici to reevaluate Somaliland’s relations with the UN workers, according to a piece published by Foore News.

The United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has planned to relocate its workers to Mogadishu. Somaliland expressed her dissatisfaction with the UN’s decision.

The ministry of foreign affairs has terminated the job of nine diplomats.

According to letters yet to be made public but accessed by Geeska   Afrika and signed by The minister of foreign affairs Mr.Saad Ali  Shire,  nine friendly foreign countries are currently without

Somaliland diplomatic representation.

The letter dated 21st March 2018 and CCed President Musa Behi Abdi  states that those addressed have been relieved of their duties as  Somaliland diplomats.

The letter states “following internal ministerial studies as pertains  to new quest for recognition strategies, it has been decided that  those diplomatic representatives without official offices in their

country of services be removed from budget”

To these effect all addresses herein are asked to submit budgetary  needs and only in relation to activites geared towards quest for  recognition”

The addresses thence subsequently fired or put in a freeze are  Somaliland Representatives to

1. Norway
2. France
3. Turkey
4. Canada
5. Ireland
6. Saudi Arabia
7. Oman and Kuwait
8. South Sudan and
9. Ambassador at large

Reading between lines of the letter it appears that either the new  foreign policy strategy does not view the above countries as vital, or  the representatives performance has been lackluste

Horn

The minister of foreign affairs Dr.Saad Ali Shire has spoken about the  tripartite agreement. He confirmed that the road connecting Berbera to  Wajale will begin later this year. The minister was speaking to the  Horn Newspapers in an exclusive interview this is the dossier of the  interview…..

Geeska Afrika: The Ethiopian minister of Transport said that despite  his country gain of 19% stake at Berbera port that does not mean that  his country has recognized Somaliland. He went further to say that  agreement is a trade deal between the two countries what do you  confirm or deny about the Ethiopian minister sentiments?

Foreign Minister: We always had a special relationship with Ethiopia.

The two countries are neighbors and it is the policy of the Somaliland  government to have good relations with her neighbor furthermore we  have been doing business with Ethiopia since the time of immemorial.

It is our responsibility to have friendship with our neighbors.

Q: Do you think time has come for Somaliland to match her trade  deficit with Ethiopia following their gain of 19% stake at Berbera  International Port?

A:No. First and foremost our biggest handicap is that we are an import  economy we simply manufacture nothing and for the time being to  underscore that challenge is a daunting task. Another obstacle is that  we do not export much, we used to export livestock but for now there  is a ban. This is dangerous it will always affect the value of our  Shilling. This has to change we have to start to invest in the agriculture economy so that our country can become self sufficient.

Q: Since the tripartite agreement was signed the Somalia parliament  has become a thorn in the flesh to Somaliland aspirations of self  determination. How do you gauge the situation?

A: They are just making noises that have no purpose. By the way Somalia has no jurisdiction over Somaliland so their parliament should not waste their valuable time to discuss Somaliland a democratic country with her own president, parliament and independent judiciary.

Q: How about the Somaliland and Somalia  talks are you going to engage with your adversaries or you are simply going to bide your time?

A: We are going to bide our time until we can see a climate conducive to us to engage with Somalia and until then we will sit on our laurels.

Q: Can we say that the tripartite agreement has opened a can of worms  in the diplomatic circles for instance the Somalia government is opposed to the agreement and hence have support from Qatar and Turkey whereas Somaliland is supported by UAE?

A: It is simply we will put our eggs where they will hatch. For  example 50% of our trade is done with the UAE and 90% of our livestock

goes to Saudi Arabia so you can see we have to take care of our

interests.

Q: Please tell us about the relationship between our country Turkey 

and Qatar is frosty or cordial?

A: Somaliland foreign policy is straightforward we build bridges not

walls we would love to have the best relationship with every country  in the planet.

Q: Can you give us a tit bit of information about the UAE military base?

A: The military camp will soon be established and mid this year the  Berbera-Wajale road will commence construction.

Q: Somaliland has  passed many metamorphosis to reach where it is today as the foreign minister what do you think is obstacle standing on the wayside of Somaliland International Recognition?

A: Somaliland has fulfilled all requirements for independence and what remains is the world to acknowledge us and recognize us.

The first Somaliland Diaspora Investment Consultative meeting was held in Hargeisa on the 25th of March 2018 at the Crown Hotel.

The meeting which was organized by the Somaliland Diaspora Agency (SLDA) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International investment was attended by members of the Diaspora, stakeholders and representatives from various government ministries and other dignitaries..

Dr. Sacad Ali Shire, Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation , in his opening speech , highlighted the importance and vital role of Somaliland’s Diaspora in the country’s economy, underscoring that since the current export of livestock, the country is largely dependent on the remittances sent by the Diaspora and its role in the economy country. He further stressed the need for the country to promote investment, and the need to address challenges whenever they arise; he further answered a lot of questions asked by the members of the Diaspora. The Minister of Foreign Affairs strongly encouraged the vibrant and collaborative efforts of the Diaspora, and expressed concerns that the government is not in control of the investors and advised that there is a need for a policy that is good for the government. .

Mr. Abdi Abdullahi Hersi, the chairman of Somaliland Diaspora Agency speaking at the conference said that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the first part of the survey conducted by the recently formed Cities in the area of ​​collection, organize and integrate investment information for the Diaspora so as assess and identify challenges, and work to encourage investment into the country of the Republic of Somaliland Diaspora. He said that after we conducted the Pilot survey and after considering a request submitted to us by businessmen from the Diaspora to hold the meeting so that they can present the grievances and challenges facing investors, they invited the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Investment, Finance, Finance, General Operations, Chamber of Commerce, The Chairman of the Supreme Court, the Immigration Department, the Mayor and other government departments to answer the questions at hand.

Although some of the officials invited to the meeting failed to attend due to excusable reasons for some of them, Diaspora entrepreneurs based on the occasion raised a range of issues including questions regarding the barriers and challenges facing investing Diaspora investment in country which were answered by Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Investments, Trade, and the Chairman of Chamber of Commerce.

Questions asked by the Diaspora investors were mostly related to the system of tax collection in the country which treats Diaspora as same as big businesses not to mention the foreign investment law only supports foreign investment, and businesses, unlike the Diaspora do not have the support of the government and other incentives to invest in their investments and other factors. Different participants of the Diaspora entrepreneurs complained of limited skills of the country and suggested Somaliland Government to have clear policy on improving technical skills of the people. Other entrepreneurs complained of that they could not export their products of oil through the Airport.

Hon Mohamed Ahmed Awad, Minister of international investment while answering questions from the Diaspora investors said, “The government is in the process of reviewing and amending the foreign investment act, which will pave way for not only attracting foreign investments, but also to encourage more investments from Somaliland Diaspora such as giving tax breaks whenever they invest in the country by setting up industries and other substantial investments exempt when they’re importing cars which they will have to pay their taxes.

Hon Mohamed Saad lIdle(Sajiin), Minister of Commerce, industry and tourism while addressing the participants said,” We are committed to support and encourage members of the Diaspora, but having said,I will like to make one thing clear that we cannot make tax break time. My advice to you in the Diaspora should merge and form a combination of partnerships so as to invest in big ventures which benefit the country.

Mr. Mohamed Shukri , Chairman of the Somaliland Chamber of Commerce briefed the Diaspora investors of the untapped  investment opportunities that exist and the same time to be cautious before making investing in a bid to avert incurring losses, and instead opt for business that will be profitable in the long run. “Diaspora entrepreneur’s expectation is very high when they come home to embark on business, but goes down when they start, particularly without making any related further feasibility study and consultations for their business plans,” he said.

As Somaliland Diaspora Agency invited participants included different key tour operators and airlines operating in Somaliland such as Ethiopian Airlines, and Air Arabia. Executive Director of Somaliland Diaspora Agency stated they are calling for the main airlines to support the Agency’s Diaspora-oriented programs, and particularly thanked Ethiopian Airlines who realized such cooperation. Mr. Estinafous Weikema, Area Manager of the Ethiopian Airlines in Somaliland who also delivered a key note speech pointed out history of the Ethiopian Airlines operation and services in Somaliland being the first and the main operator that started international flights in Somaliland. Mr. Weikema emphasized that they would collaborate with SLDA on provision of recommended services to the Diaspora on all possible capacities.

Somaliland Diaspora Agency invited representatives from airlines which operate in the country such as FlyDubai and Ethiopian Airlines.

Based on the Pilot Survey Conducted, below questions included the Somaliland Diaspora Investors Questions, and Concerns  

1. Does Somaliland have progressive tax system? If yes, why all investors/businesses are taxed at same rate in Somaliland?

• Somaliland Diaspora entrepreneurs feel that there is no progressive tax system, and that the government doesn’t have tax system that is straight and fair. All business owners are taxed at same rates  

1. What are the Government tax exemptions for Diaspora investors, and are there other incentives to Diaspora investment?  

• Diaspora entrepreneurship and making businesses has been on increase since recent years
• Return of Diaspora households from abroad moving with their possessions is increasing year after year
• There is no government plan for providing residential, commercial, and industrial land incentives for the Diaspora in general

1. What is the difference between foreign investor and Somaliland national Diaspora investor accordance to Somaliland Foreign Investment Law?

• Somaliland foreign investment law guarantees incentives to foreign investors but not Somalilander investors from the Diaspora.

1. Does Somaliland Government have plan to set up physical policy and banking systems that can encourage Diaspora investment?

• Diaspora concerns include existing banks don’t offer overdrafts and there are several issues from an Islamic point about interest/Riba.

1. What are the Government laws in relation to hiring foreign labour?

• Somaliland Diaspora investors feel that local/national staff is unskillful in certain professions which is challenge to their investments, and that sometimes hires employees from abroad.
• Local competitors poaching trained staff from abroad, which leads to devastating effects on their businesses and there are no consequences for the perpetrators.

1. What are the Government limitations towards duplicating business ideas and property rights protections?

1. Somaliland Diaspora has also concerns over the following in Somaliland?

• Lack of Tourism polices  
• Lack of contract enforcement
• Overdue court cases, while Diaspora nationals have limited time to stay home
• Favoritism of Local business people
• Lack of preventive and protective measures in relation to Diaspora and Diaspora-born children of Somaliland nationals

The invited Diaspora entrepreneurs and some other participant businesses  included: Masala Specialist Hospital, Masala Specialist Hospital, International Medical services, Young Muslim Academy, Xarago Company, Casri fashion, Asma Style, Royal Style, Weris Accessories, Café Barbera, Galool Café, Holland Diary food company, Saryan Museum, Hargeisa Cultural Center, Crown Hotel, Cafra Supermarket, Sugan Billicsan, Gacalle group Business, BM Cosmetics, Sahra’s Botique, Simple Divine, Kings Coffee, Haboon, Amiir Perfumes, Sumaya World, Altawba Perfumes, Horn Garden, Guleed Hotel, Habeen Dhalad, Alpha Beauty, North Star Medical Center, Quruxbila, Hubaal Cleaning service, Star Box, Himilo Restaurant, Nasrulah, Epyan Shoes, Good Super Style, Oderese, Sovocco, Adams Inn Hotel, Carayaabo ARH,  Al-Ashira centre, AJ Poultry Farm, Boodhari Mills, UBI, Nabad Consulting, Bella Rossa, HYJ Consulting, The Review, Odorose Eng, Asad construction, Mandar Food Factory, Caroyabo Agriculture, Nuriye Napkins Factory, Eagle Fishing, Al xariiri Multi Service, Community Consultancy Development, Toosi Travel, Amalina Clinic, Som Fishing Coup, FB2 Berbera, IPX + AIGIC, SLN-TV, Cookies Time, Quantum-CES, Hawdolmo, Fishery Association, Royal Consultants Ltd, STC, North Rock, Chicago Huge, Seegaal Trade Co., Supreme Court, Biryani Restaurant, Sanka Group, European Colleague, Daus Company, Somaliland Vegetable Oil Comp, Arayaanbo Fadagi, Smart Jobs Co, DAS ACC, KHEYRAAD DEV. Association, United Pricic IndustryOderese, Sovocco, Adams Inn Hotel, Carayaabo ARH,  Al-Ashira centre, AJ Poultry Farm, Boodhari Mills, UBI, Nabad Consulting, Bella Rossa, HYJ Consulting, The Review, Odorose Eng, Asad construction, Mandar Food Factory, Caroyabo Agriculture, Nuriye Napkins Factory, Eagle Fishing, Al xariiri Multi Service, Community Consultancy Development, Toosi Travel, Amalina Clinic, Som Fishing Coup, FB2 Berbera, IPX + AIGIC, SLN-TV, Cookies Time, Quantum-CES, Hawdolmo, Fishery Association, Royal Consultants Ltd, STC, North Rock, Chicago Huge, Seegaal Trade Co., Supreme Court, Biryani Restaurant, Sanka Group, European Colleague, Daus Company, Somaliland Vegetable Oil Comp, Arayaanbo Fadagi, Smart Jobs Co, DAS ACC, KHEYRAAD DEV. Association, United Pricic Industry

END

Somaliland Diaspora Agency

info@sldiaspora.org / hassanafgaab@gmail.com

March 25, 2018

HARGEISA—Somaliland minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation Dr Sa’ad Ali Shire met with Turkish counsular to Somaliland Ali Niyon at his office the meeting was discussed a key important issues between the two countries.
The Turkish counsular underlined how Turkish government is committed to Stan beside to somaliland and to contribute the ongoing developments specially social services such as education and health
Ali Niyon also emphasized that Turkish airlines will start direct flight to somaliland, and all these interests will exacute soon on Turkish development agency TIKA
The minister is accompanied by the vice minister Liban Yousuf Osma

MOFA