The first Somalia-Italy Business Forum took place in Mogadishu, involving a group of 10 Italian companies and more than 200 local counterparts active in the field of agro-business. The 2 days Forum has been opened by the Somali Minister of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Mohamed Abdi Hayir, the Italian Ambassador to Somalia, Carlo Campanile and the President of the Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mahamud Abdi Ali Gabiere. In this first edition the event involved Italian and Somali companies active in the agricultural production, animal husbandry and fishing sectors.
Minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir, highlighted the uniqueness of the initiative that is part of the historical trade links between Italy and Somalia. The agricultural sector, he recalled, is historically one of the most important areas of Italian entrepreneurship in Somalia, hoping that the signing of commercial contracts can then subsequently be translated and again into direct investments and real partnership agreements between Italian and Somali companies.
The Italian Ambassador highlighted how the initiative was in line with the two country presentations Somalia organized at the Farnesina in 2013 and 2016 and that bringing Italian companies to Mogadishu is an important political signal of recognition of the progress achieved by the current Somali Administration on the front of the stabilization process and security. A decisive action to tackle corruption and the adoption of a legal framework guaranteeing investment protection are further prerequisites for encouraging international investors.
The Italian Embassy and the Italian Agency for International cooperation thank the Somali Presidency of the Republic for the High patronage granted to the Somali-Italian Business Forum and for its precious support in organizing the event and the Italian Group Madex S.R.L. for having coordinated the participation of the Italian Companies. The Italian Embassy also warmly thanks the Somali companies which joined the Forum from all Regions and in doing so contributing to the success of the initiative.
