Hon. Mohamed Hassan Saad “Saajin,” the Minister of Trade and Tourism of the Republic of Somaliland, led a distinguished delegation focused on business and trade relations on its official visit to the Republic of China (Taiwan) on July 29, 2023. This delegation comprised key figures such as the Director-General of the Ministry of Trade and Tourism, Mr. Abdirashid Ibrahim Sh. Abdirahman, and the Deputy Managing Director of the Somaliland Economic Zones Authority. Notable representatives from influential entities like Telesom, Dahabshiil Group, and DP World were also part of the delegation. The Somaliland Representative in Taiwan, Dr. Mohamed Hagi, and Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave a warm welcome to the visitors.
Two days later, on July 31, 2023, a significant milestone was reached as Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Mei-Hua Wang, and Somaliland’s Minister of Trade and Tourism, Mohamoud Hassan Saad, jointly signed the “Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Business and Trade Relations between Taiwan and Somaliland.”
This crucial MOU is geared towards elevating bilateral exchanges and delving into promising business opportunities spanning trade, investment, mining, and oil resources. These facets are pivotal in nurturing a robust bilateral partnership. Situated in Eastern Africa, the Republic of Somaliland boasts abundant natural resources, including minerals, livestock, and marine fisheries, thereby earning considerable recognition for its potential in future development initiatives.
Building upon existing cooperation, both nations pledged to fortify their economic ties further, thereby fostering additional prospects for the business communities of both Taiwan and Somaliland.
Subsequent to the signing of the Taiwan-Somaliland business and trade relations agreement, a session with the Importers and Exporters Association of Taipei (IEAT) transpired. During this engagement, we elucidated the diverse array of products available for import from Somaliland, encompassing livestock, fisheries, and frankincense. Conversely, Somaliland stands prepared to act as Africa’s gateway for Taiwan’s export endeavors.
Further engagements unfolded as the Somaliland delegation convened with the Bankers Association of Taiwan, comprising 62 financial institutions, including commercial banks, industrial banks, export-import banks, and agricultural financial institutions. Acknowledged as a strategic investment destination, Somaliland positions itself as Africa’s gateway, with the government actively endeavoring to provide a transparent legal framework offering financial and fiscal incentives to both local and foreign investors. Notably, Somaliland is inclined to provide preferential advantages to Taiwanese companies expressing interest in investing within the country.
Following this fruitful meeting, Minister Mohamoud Hassan Saad “Saajin” of Somaliland and Dr. Joseph Wu of Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs met. Discussions encompassed Taiwan’s ongoing development partnerships with Somaliland, the presence of Taiwanese businesses established in Somaliland, and the pivotal role envisaged for the private sectors of both nations in realizing the recently inked Trade and Business Relations Agreement.
Additionally, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council graciously welcomed Somaliland’s trade and business delegation at their premises in Taipei, Taiwan. During this encounter, the two nations reached a consensus on various fronts, including trade promotion, expanding Somaliland’s export market, hosting joint trade exhibitions in both territories, and fostering collaboration within the private sector.
The Taiwan-Africa Business Association (TABA), dedicated to fostering trade and investment relations between Taiwan and African countries, provided a platform for the Somaliland delegation. TABA proudly introduced the initial three companies—CPC Corporation, Central Sky International Trading Company, and Motorcycle (Tricycle Co)—which have formally commenced investments in Somaliland. I conveyed Somaliland’s prioritized sectors for investment, encompassing livestock, agriculture, fishing, mining, frankincense, renewable energy, and tourism. Moreover, the delegation underscored the opportunities arising from the Berbera Corridor, which stands as the economic gateway to the Horn of Africa.
Notably, representatives from DP World Berbera and the Somaliland Economic Zone Authority ventured to Taiwan’s Farglory Free Trade Zone. Witnessing the zone’s seamless integration of logistics, skill sets, businesses, capital, and information technology left an indelible impression. Similarly, Somaliland prides itself on the Berbera Economic Zone (BEZ), strategically positioned near the Berbera Port and Berbera International Airport, rendering it the Horn of Africa’s premier integrated marine, logistical, and industrial hub.
Venturing further, visits were made to Kaohsiung Port and Taiwan International Ports Corporation, Ltd. Renowned as one of the globe’s largest container handling facilities, Kaohsiung Port hosted the delegation to exchange insights on handling experiences and trade facilitation processes, exploring possibilities for collaboration with Somaliland counterparts.
Further diversifying engagements, Somaliland’s prominent telecom and financial institutions, Dahabshiil and Telesom, were instrumental in fostering knowledge-sharing during a meeting with the leadership of Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan’s largest telecom provider. Insights were exchanged regarding innovative digital solutions for governance and the utilization of AI to streamline trade facilitation processes.
Finally, the delegation met with the leadership of CPC Corporation, Taiwan’s state-owned oil supplier, who provided an encouraging update on CPC’s current operations in Somaliland. By mid-2024, CPC will have drilled a well at block SL10B/13 and will be using the port of Berbera to transport energy to the global market. Keep an eye out in 2024; this drilling is set to be a game-changer for Somaliland.
Culminating the official visit, a courtesy call was made to the Republic of Somaliland Representative Office in Taipei, Taiwan. The entire Somaliland in Taiwan team, including Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Hagi, received a great deal of gratitude from the Somaliland Trade and Business Delegation for their exceptional support while they were in Taiwan. #Somaliland
