Kenya has a big role to play in Somaliland’s economic development if local investors venture in the Horn of Africa nation. Somaliland’s Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Minister Yasin Mohammed Hiir has encouraged Kenyan investors to take advantage of the investment opportunities in his country. “Come and work with us in building the great nation of Somaliland, we have so many opportunities,” Mr Hiir said as he addressed Somaliland Investment Conference in Nairobi on Friday.
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice chairman James Mureu said Kenya was ready to do business with Somaliland. Mr Hiir said his country was ready to open its doors to foreign investors. “Kenya and Somaliland share so much in common. We have a historical bond that needs to be nurtured so as to empower our people through trade and investment,” said Mr Hiir. “While Kenya is advanced in many aspects in this region, Somaliland imports nearly everything. It beats logic that we import what it can get from Kenya from as far as South America,” he said.
He said Kenya and Somaliland should reinforce their pursuit for mutual interests on the basis of shared vision and common values. “We need to expand cross-border trade and investments between the two countries for mutual gain,” Mr Hiir said. “The large number of Kenyans who are working and living in Somaliland is a proof of our good hospitality, we can increase prosperity for our citizens through enhanced trade,” said the minister. He said Somaliland government was is interested in trade and investments, financial integration, free movement of goods, education, tourism and hospitality.
