Somalia: Somalia Appeals for Saudi Investment (RBC NEWS)

Abdalle Ahmed
RBC Radio
abdalle.muumin@raxanreeb.com

Addis Ababa, (RBC Radio) Somali President, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has appealed Saudi companies to invest Somalia.

in his address at the Saudi East African Forum in Addis Ababa, Sheikh Sharif prized to the great interest shown by Saudi Arabia to this forum, its strong desire to develop the region’s economy and encourage capital to invest in Saudi Arabia, which would contribute to the progress of the economy.

”if the overcoming economic crisis possible by means of collective action and political will and firm resolve of a development cooperation aimed at driving a ship in the region to safety”, said Somali president.

The Somali President also expressed his belief that the elements of success available to the Saudi Arabia East African Forum through the success of planning, management style and choice of timing of adding other features to help the success of its goals, including ease of sea and land transportation between the countries of the region, and the abundance of natural resources and raw materials and environmental-friendly investment and labor efficiency.

Sheikh Sharif hailed the decision of the Saudi king Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to lift the ban on the import of meat and livestock from Somalia, noting that his country has livestock worth about 55 million head of live animals.

He appealed to countries in the region and the whole world to assist Somalia to fight terrorism, sea piracy and the eradication of the roots of these scourges.

As the  the President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh praised efforts of the Saudi Government and regional and international policy aimed at maintaining peace, security and non-interference in the affairs of others.

The Saudi East African Forum came at a time of financial crises in the world but the Saudi government is intending to invest the East African countries and facilitate bilateral trade.

the saudian Minister of Transport also noted that the Saudi private sector is strong and looks to take advantage of investment opportunities in East Africa, that the private sector already started investing in some of East African countries, but only the beginning.
“…and we hope to invest in all areas, not only in agriculture and infrastructure in the Kingdom to achieve this”. He pointed out that more than 16 thousand vessels use the port in Saudi Arabia, and there is a modern road network enhance these capabilities.

The Minister reiterated the conclusion that there is a strong political will of the partnership with African countries and that there is a strong private sector wants in this partnership.