Hargeisa – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), today inaugurated the Livestock Trade and Production Conference at the Grand Haadi Hotel in Hargeisa.
This first-of-its-kind conference focused on the livestock sector in Somaliland was organized to a high standard by the Ministry of Livestock and Pastoral Development, in collaboration with its partner agencies and organizations. The conference will run for two days.
This national forum brought together all diverse stakeholders involved in the livestock trade and development sector. The Director General, Mr. Ahmed Osman Jama (Talo-same), and the Minister of Livestock and Pastoral Development, H.E. Dr. Omar Shucayb Mohamed, delivered speeches and expert presentations. They provided comprehensive details on the conference’s objectives, which are to showcase the real potential of Somaliland’s livestock and to strengthen the care, production, trade, and marketing chain for live animals.
Furthermore, the Minister and the Director General emphasized that this conference genuinely encourages innovation, improves livestock production, and opens new business opportunities to increase income, job creation, and the economic development of the Republic of Somaliland.
In his keynote address at the Livestock Trade and Production Conference, the President extended his gratitude and commendation to the senior officials, staff of the Ministry of Livestock, and the agencies and individuals who made the conference possible.
The President stated that livestock are the foundation of the country’s economy, a symbol of our heritage and culture, and the cornerstone of life and unique livelihood for the people of Somaliland.
The President underscored that live animals are central to the country’s production output (GDP) and the backbone of the hard currency we earn from livestock exports.
The President noted that every Somalilander, in their daily life, witnesses the importance livestock hold for us.
On another note, the President affirmed that it is imperative to make a significant shift from our traditional livestock husbandry methods, which can no longer withstand the living conditions our livestock now face, particularly environmental degradation, recurring droughts, and the impacts of Global Climate Change. The President stated that the Government has begun taking many steps to address the problems and challenges facing the Livestock Trade and Production sector.
The President highlighted that the Government is committed to:
- Developing modern livestock farming systems,
- Creating new grazing regulations for all regions of the country,
- Caring for and expanding rangelands,
- Environmental conservation,
- Resilience against Climate Change,
- Controlling livestock diseases.
In conclusion, the President of the Republic of Somaliland noted that the Government welcomes the advice and expertise of national and international investors and experts who participated in the conference, stating that investment and participation in the Livestock Trade and Production sector of Somaliland is open to anyone ready to invest, ensuring mutual and equitable benefit for all.
