Berbera 15^th Sept: The Berbera Food Laboratory was launched today in a colourful ceremony officiated by Somaliland President H.E. Muse Bihi Abdi along with senior government officials, representatives of the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) and TradeMark Africa (TMA).  The US$ 484, 540 project was funded by FCDO and implemented by Somaliland Quality Control Commission (SQCC) in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA).

The project scope included procurement and installation of testing equipment to safeguard food safety in the country. This in turn is expected to boost traded food commodities and exports from Somaliland. The laboratory will undertake chemical and instrumental analysis, micro-biology, physical and chemical analysis of products.

The President hailed the new laboratory, the first of its kind in the country as one that will greatly enhance the quality of Somaliland products for both local and international markets. He thanked TMA for their support on the corridor and encouraged the SQCC to make useful of the laboratory equipment. The President called for continued support in human resource development noting that, the aid the country receives was sometimes unmatched by skilled labour causing advanced equipment not to be used due to shortage of skilled labour. The President encouraged the SQCC chair to prioritise training and capacity building to make use of this advance equipment.

The President awarded TMA a certificate of good partnership and appreciation to TMA country director Abdi Osman.

Speaking at the event SQCC Chairman Mukhtar Mohamed explained that the new laboratories are in line with the organisation’s five-year action plan that aims at significantly enhancing access to quality foods and other products in local and foreign markets. The chairman thanked TMA for the continues support. “TMA is reliable partner that works for closely with SQCC and the only organisation that has committed to improve the SQCC. This new facility will improve not only the standards of goods in our country but also the whole horn region including goods for neighbouring Ethiopia.”

TMA Somaliland Country Director Abdi Osman underlined the role quality trade infrastructure plays in enhancing a country’s trade credentials. “We congratulate SQCC on this important milestone. We continue to partner with the government on a number of key initiatives that will promote exports from Somaliland, thereby creating wealth and raising the socio-economic standards for citizens. The projects include among others the nearly completed Hargeisa Bypass which will enhance cargo flow along the Berbera- Tog Wajaale trade corridor and the Berbera Fish Market currently under construction which will provide conducive working environment to workers in the fish value chain”.

Other aspects SQCC work supported by TMA in the recent past include development of SQCC 5-year Strategic Plan, development of standards in priority sectors of oil seeds, edible fats and oils and pulses, livestock and livestock products and beverages. SQCC staff have also been capacity strengthened by Ethiopia Quality Infrastructure and British Standards Institute (BSI).