By Zakarie Hassan - Reporter
Somalia, Somalia — Somalia has launched the reconstruction of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry headquarters for the first time in nearly half a century, marking an important step toward strengthening public institutions and supporting economic development.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the new ministry headquarters in Mogadishu during a ceremony attended by senior government officials.
Minister of Commerce and Industry Jamal Mohamed Hassan said the ministry had operated from the ageing building for about 50 years, adding that the facility no longer met the demands of a modern government institution.
"This building is 50 years old. As you can see, it bears the marks of time and many difficult circumstances. It is an honour for us to begin its reconstruction today," the minister said.
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Prime Minister Barre described the project as a significant investment in Somalia's state institutions, saying modern government infrastructure is essential for improving public services and creating an enabling environment for trade and production.
"Rebuilding this ageing ministry headquarters is extremely important. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is one of the country's key institutions because it drives trade and supports national production," he said.
The commerce minister said Somali business leaders are playing a significant role in financing the project, describing their contribution as an example of growing cooperation between the government and the private sector.
The existing headquarters is among the remaining government buildings constructed during Somalia's former central administration and has served the ministry for decades despite its deteriorating condition.