Following a 20-year civil war, Somalia, seeking a path to social and economic development, is looking for ways to mobilize its resources and potential. In this regard, the country's leaders are maintaining contact with Turkey at various levels.
Somali Minister of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing, Abdulfattah Mohammed Ibrahim, along with his bureaucrats, conducted inspections at OSTİM. Following the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between OSTİM and the Somali Ministry of Public Works and Housing.
Unlimited cooperation
OSTİM Chairman Orhan Aydın briefed the Somali Minister on OSTİM's capabilities and resources. Aydın introduced Minister Ibrahim to OSTİM's clusters operating in the fields of construction and industrial machinery, renewable energy, medical industry, defense and aerospace, rubber, rail systems, and communication technologies.
Aydın pointed out that OSTİM possesses the necessary knowledge and interfaces for Somalia's development and progress, and stated that OSTİM could meet the demands from Somalia regarding vocational training, entrepreneurship, and planning.
Aydın continued: “We can do very different things in Somalia with all the resources and capabilities in our region. There are 6200 businesses here. There are all kinds of facilities, universities, technoparks, vocational schools, vocational training centers, unlimited opportunities for cooperation. There are things that will benefit Somalia. We also have a lot to learn there. With these intentions and thoughts, on behalf of the OSTİM Management and all the resources and capabilities in our region, I am signing this protocol, saying 'Bismillah' (in the name of God), to provide all kinds of assistance and cooperation to meet the needs of Somalia.”
"At the end of this agreement, I pray to God Almighty that our companies, institutions and organizations here will have fruitful collaborations with the individuals and institutions that our Ministry will determine in Somalia, and that this will bring blessings to our countries, our peoples and our institutions."
Guide us
Somali Minister of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing, Abdulfattah Mohammed Ibrahim, drew attention to the commercial and economic potential of his country. Recalling President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's first visit to their country in 2011, the Somali Minister stated that they wish to strengthen their ties with Turkey through cooperation.
Minister Ibrahim stated that their country needed capacity building, technical training, and an Organized Industrial Zone, adding, “Your cooperation in assisting and guiding us in this matter is very important to us. After the war, we wanted to enter a serious restructuring process, but we couldn't fully do so. We need your support and guidance to improve ourselves. We are pleased to sign this memorandum of understanding.”
Somali economy
Agriculture and livestock farming play a significant role in Somalia's economy, along with financial aid from the Somali diaspora and telecommunications. Approximately 65% of the country's national income and workforce are based on agriculture and livestock farming.
Following the restoration of stability in Somalia, where much of its infrastructure and buildings were destroyed during the civil war, a significant increase in demand is expected in the construction sector. Trade volume between Somalia and Turkey reached 118 million US dollars in 2016.
Türkiye is the largest bilateral aid provider to Somalia. Humanitarian and development aid provided since August 2011 has exceeded half a billion US dollars. Source: www.mfa.gov.tr
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