The Somali negotiating team recently participated in a training session led by the WTO Secretariat Accessions Division. The session included representatives from the Government of Somalia, the EAC Secretariat, and Ambassador Nina Tornberg of Sweden, who chairs the Working Party. The Somali delegation consisted of 15 members, including Chief Trade Negotiator Sadiq Ibrahim and officials from various ministries and agencies.
The training focused on WTO accession procedures, aligning Somalia's trade policies with WTO rules, technical assistance needs, and integrating Somalia into the EAC. The World Bank and the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) contributed to discussions on technical assistance. Participants also reviewed gaps in Somalia’s revised Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime and considered legislative reforms, institutional coordination, and negotiation strategies.
This session is part of Somalia's preparation for its first working party meeting scheduled for February 17, 2025. Somali officials highlighted their dedication to advancing the accession process and enhancing Somalia’s trade framework. They acknowledged the session's role in preparing for substantive discussions with WTO members.