MOGADISHU, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Somalia's inaugural maritime conference kicked off in the capital, Mogadishu, on Tuesday, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud calling on global investors to unlock the untapped potential of the country's maritime sector.
The two-day conference aims to spearhead a national shift to unlock Somalia's vast blue economy, boost maritime trade, and secure its territorial waters.
Mohamud, who officially opened the forum, highlighted Somalia's vast potential for investment and development in the maritime and blue economy sectors.
The president said that the country's extensive maritime domain is a vital strategic asset capable of driving economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing regional connectivity.
The forum underscores Somalia's efforts to strengthen the management and protection of its extensive coastline and marine resources while expanding economic opportunities in fisheries, commercial shipping, port infrastructure and other key maritime sectors.
Mohamud said Somalia is shifting its focus away from maritime insecurity and piracy to reshape international perceptions of its waters.
Noting that Somalia has the longest coastline on mainland Africa, he described the country's coastline as a vital national asset capable of accelerating economic growth, creating jobs, boosting regional trade and improving livelihoods.
Somalia's Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, stressed the need for a national vision to secure Somalia's maritime domain and unlock its blue economy.
He proposed establishing a permanent national platform to facilitate regular discussions on maritime affairs and guide policy development.
The minister said representatives from key ports, the financial sector, and the business community would discuss strategies to promote maritime trade and shipping.
He added that the conference would also address the development of maritime transport and efforts to expand Somalia's blue economy.
