By M.A. Egge
The President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has underscored the fact that domestic industrial manufacturing is the key to a nation’s development and that the government will do whatever is necessary to have a conducive atmosphere for boosting local industrial productions.
The Head of State noted the fact as he held an important meeting with the echelon of the country’s manufacturers on Thursday at the presidency.
The meeting, which was sought by the industrialists, focused on the pros and cons of the manufacturing sector.
The country’s industrialists shared with the President their situation, lack of subsidy and issues on tax exemptions especially in the wake of stiff competition from imported products.
They noted tax exemptions of inputs such as machineries and raw materials as a great challenge for their output.
They requested that the government look into the plight surrounding the country’s industrialists.
The President listened carefully to all the issues the manufacturers brought forth while praising their efforts in promoting domestic production and boosting the national economy.
He assured them that the state would seriously look into their grievances and address applicable areas in order to find a lasting solution that encourages investment and development of local industries.
The manufacturers praised the President for the important tasks he has so far carried out during his short term in power, especially in matters of peace and stability in the eastern regions, the nationalization of the civilian forces and the strengthening of Somaliland’s relations with the International Community.
The President indicated that the country’s industrialists would be facilitated in obtaining free land to build their industries, and the government will make a stronger effort to obtain cheaper fuel, cheaper electricity, and associated legal tax exemptions that the country’s manufacturers are entitled to as per the finance/treasury laws.
The President reminded the industrialists that domestic industrial production is the key to the country’s development and economic independence, and therefore “it is necessary to create a National Policy and Strategy that encourages local industries, and maintain fair competition between domestic and foreign manufactured goods”.
He pointed out that “what is in the good interest of the industrialists is also in the interest of the government of Somaliland”.
The meeting ended with mutual understanding and goodwill, as the industrialists welcomed the President’s sentiments, and thanked him for his efforts and vision for the development of industries in the Republic of Somaliland.