Berbera port to officially open

The first phase of the Berbera port construction, implemented by DP World, officially opened today.

The construction of the first phase of the Berbera port, comprising 400M square meters, can now carry 1 million containers per year.

“Each year the port can handle 1 million containers from now on,” said Said Hassan Abdilahi, manager of the Berbera port. “We hope that larger ships can now dock,” he added.

Somaliland’s Minister of Finance Saad Ali Shire described the port project as a turning point for Somaliland.

“Today is a new day for Somaliland, and for the Horn of Africa. Our dream is to create Singapore in Africa,” Saad said.

Ethiopian Transport Minister Degmawit Moges believes that the construction of the Berbera port will create trade integration.

“It will boost business integration in the region, and more such projects are needed,” she said. Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said the construction of the port will play a key role in Somaliland’s development.

“Congratulations. It is a historic investment. This project will greatly contribute to the development of Somaliland,” said Minister Shide.

DP World General Manager Sultan Ahmed Binu Sulayman said that once the port is built, business will resume.

“Once a port is built and trade comes, our motto is to build and companies will soon follow after,” he said.

The President of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia has said that the construction of the Berbera port will greatly benefit his region.

“As a Somali, it is a growth. You have shown that Somalis are a civilized people who can govern themselves,” he said.

Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi, said the construction of the port could lead Somaliland to lead trade.

“Today is a historic day for Somaliland and the Horn of Africa. This opening will make Somaliland a leading country in trade,” he said.

The president said the construction of the port has added new business responsibilities.

“We are happy to have opened the port, but we have a great responsibility to serve the Somali regional government, Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa first,” he said.

The President and international delegates who attended the opening ceremony jointly called for the opening of the port.

The port was unloaded from the first container to Addis Ababa.