New Berbera Customs building aims to improve working conditions, streamline trade services and support ongoing expansion at the strategic Red Sea port.
BERBERA, Somaliland (Horn post) Somaliland’s Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Abdillahi Hassan Aden, on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a new modern customs facility inside Port of Berbera, in a move aimed at strengthening trade infrastructure and improving customs services at one of the Horn of Africa’s fastest-growing maritime hubs.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the ministry’s Director General, Mohamed Hassan Saleebaan, officials from DP World, customs authorities and senior government representatives.
The new facility, to be built within the Berbera port complex, will serve as the future headquarters of Berbera Customs and is designed to match the modern infrastructure standards being developed across the port.
Speaking during the ceremony, Director General Mohamed Hassan Saleban described the project as an important milestone for both customs operations and port development.
“Today we are here for the foundation laying of the new Berbera Customs building by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. This is an important facility for DP World, for customs staff, and for the services we provide to the public. It will be a modern building that will significantly improve the quality of the working environment and deliver major benefits to traders and all those who rely on these services,” DG Mohamed Hassan Saleban said.
The head of DP World operations in the Horn of Africa, Super Chai, said the project would make a significant contribution to the continued expansion of Berbera Port and improve the delivery of customs services to the business community.
Finance Minister Abdillahi Hassan Aden said the government decided a year ago to replace the current customs office, which he described as no longer adequate for the scale of operations at the port.
“The ministry’s vision is to create a proper working environment where national duties can be carried out efficiently. It is worth noting that the current Berbera Customs office inside the port has become extremely congested. About a year ago, we decided to build a new office because workers need a suitable place to perform their duties, and traders also deserve a facility that adequately serves their needs,” Aden said.
Continuing his remarks, the minister thanked all those involved in bringing the project to its launch stage.
“For that reason, today we are laying the foundation stone for the new Berbera Customs building. I sincerely thank everyone who contributed to making this project possible. I also extend special thanks to Super Chai, head of DP World in the Horn of Africa, as well as all Berbera Customs staff and the leadership of the Ministry of Finance,” he said.
Among officials attending the ceremony was Berbera Customs Manager Ahmed Abdirahman Harir, along with representatives from Berbera Port, DP World and other senior officials.
The new customs facility is expected to support Somaliland’s broader efforts to modernize trade infrastructure as cargo volumes and regional commercial activity continue to grow through Berbera Port.
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Horn post staff
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