PM Hamza Launches Restoration of IATA-BSP System After 35 Years

Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre, has officially launched the restoration of the International Air Transport Association's Billing and Settlement Plan (IATA-BSP), which Somalia has regained after 35 years.

The Prime Minister said the restoration of this system resulted from long efforts, institutional reform, the preparation of regulations and policies, and the training of staff capable of taking on air management responsibilities, noting that Somalia has made progress in various areas, including economic growth, debt relief, joining the East African Community, and the handover of national security.

Prime Minister Barre noted that the interconnection of government institutions and the rebuilding of national capacities are the backbone of Somalia's recovery, noting that the country has major investment opportunities, including in transport, agriculture and various production sectors, given that the country is located in a strategic area connecting all continents of the world.

"I congratulate the Somali people on this great step we have taken today. We are committed to further developing and improving national institutions. I am confident that we will reach the developed world that we have lagged behind for 30 years. The Somali government is committed to ensuring that our country takes a major step forward," said Prime Minister Hamza.

The Prime Minister, who commended the efforts of the Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation and the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, directed that the development and improvement of airports, the country's air management and flight services be accelerated, in order to raise the quality of service received by the public and airline companies, and to ensure Somalia's connectivity with the world.