A high-level delegation from Ethiopia arrived in the strategic port city of Berbera today for a working visit aimed at strengthening economic and trade cooperation between Somaliland and Ethiopia.
Led by Dr. Keninsa Lemi (Dabela), Secretary General of the Federal Chamber of Commerce, the group included federal officials, regional representatives, and presidents of chambers of commerce from the Somali Regional State (SRS), Tigray, Oromia, Amhara, and Benishangul regions.
The delegation toured key infrastructure at the Port of Berbera and the Berbera Economic Free Zone (BEFZ), inspecting commercial facilities, transportation systems, customs operations, and logistics services.
They received detailed briefings from Somaliland officials, including Mr. Mohamed Hassan Salebaan, Director General of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, who emphasized the progress in port services, trade facilitation, and the growing role of Berbera as a regional economic gateway.
Upon arrival at the port and free zone, the visitors were welcomed by Somaliland authorities, including Abdikarim Ibrahim Salebaan, Deputy Director of the Free Zone Authority; Ali Dirie, Director of Somaliland Ports Authority; Jama Mohamed Ahmed, Head of Sales at DP World; and Ahmed Abdirahman Harir, Head of Berbera Port Customs.
DP World representatives provided an in-depth overview of ongoing commercial activities, infrastructure expansions, and initiatives to enhance the port’s capacity and connectivity across the Horn of Africa.
The visit underscores ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral trade and investment, leveraging Berbera’s strategic location and the BEFZ to support Ethiopia’s access to global markets and foster regional economic growth.
This engagement comes amid broader discussions on economic corridors in the Horn of Africa, building on historical ties between the two neighbors.