Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has addressed the traders’ complaints regarding the Bosaso port, saying that the government has not imposed any new taxes on traders, but has revised the fees charged to ships using the port.
Deni said that Puntland has prioritized the development of economic infrastructure, such as ports and roads, to boost trade and production in the country. He noted that expanding the Bosaso port and improving the roads are part of the plan to strengthen the Puntland economy.
The president said that reports that the port tax has been increased are incorrect. According to him, what has been changed are the service fees charged to foreign ships that bring goods to the port, without affecting the official government taxes. He noted that this change was delayed due to the country’s economic circumstances and the government’s support for traders.
Deni also denied reports that the port of Bosaso is closed, stating that port operations are continuing as normal, with ships docking, fuel loading, and exports and imports continuing. He said that the closure of the doors by some traders does not mean that the port has stopped operating.
The Puntland President called on traders and the public to avoid misleading information, stressing that the government is committed to protecting trade, developing the port of Bosaso, and balancing the interests of traders, investors, and the public. He added that the modernization of ports, airports, and roads is essential for the economic competitiveness and growth of Puntland.
President Deni’s statement came at a time when major traders who import goods from the port of Bosaso have gone on strike, complaining about the increased fees for port services. This has affected businesses in the cities, with some business centers closed for days.