High hopes for Somali boom

September 10, 2004

Nairobi - Somali business is upbeat about finally getting a central government after 13 years of clan warfare.

Its new parliament, sitting in Kenya due to insecurity at home, is expected to elect a president on September 22.

"If the new government can bring peace it will be a huge boost to business," said businessman Sharif Ahmed.


Somalia's business leaders agreed last week to open a Chamber of Commerce and Industry to help government rebuild and secure the country.

Nervous that the new leaders may embark on a nationalisation campaign, they plan to push for a free-market economy. - Reuters