Somalia: Puntland Business Women Forum kicks off in Garowe

GAROWE, Puntland - Puntland Business Woman Forum has opened in the state capital on Monday, with attendance of high-ranking government officials and entrepreneurs, Garowe Online reports.

Puntland Vice President, Abdihakim Abdullahi Haji Omar [Amey] and members of the cabinet and other officials were in attendance of the opening of the of the conference which will run for 23rd and 24th of July.

The forum organized by Puntland Business Women Umbrella [PBWU] that was founded by Halima Mohamed and Ijabo Sheikh Hassan is aimed at getting inspired women entrepreneurs with small businesses in the Federal State.

Hassan who is also the deputy Chairperson of PBWU said the forum gives the participants a platform to discuss their working conditions and share experiences and learn from each other on the path to a booming commerce.

She added that the event, which becomes the first of its kind to be held in Puntland also seeks to find a solution for the challenges of the small businesses run by the women who have not yet received such opportunity in history.

The Ministers of Women's affairs, Trade, and Fisheries of Puntland who delivered speeches at the meeting pledged to support the female entrepreneurs and thanked the PBWU for organizing this significant and helpful forum.

In his keynote address at the conference, the VP stated that the women are the backbone of the society and highlighted the importance to promote their businesses that contribute to the economic development of Puntland.

"It is an honor for me to be here with you today and I can say this event has come the right time, although it delayed but finally has come. I encourage you to utilize the chance," he noted.

The invited traders have similarly welcomed the Puntland Business Women Forum 2018 as they showcased their working experiences, mainly the factors that led to their success and look for ways to develop small merchants.

During the two-day symposium which is set to be concluded next Wednesday, the 25th July is expected to significantly improve the knowledge and skills of the businesswomen in Somalia's northeastern Puntland region.

GAROWE ONLINE