Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Barre said the Ministry of Commerce and Industry plays a central role in expanding trade, promoting domestic production, encouraging investment, and creating a more transparent business environment. Government officials, ministry staff, and invited guests attended the event, which marked the formal launch of the redevelopment project at the ministry's long-standing headquarters.

"The ministry's headquarters has stood for nearly 50 years and has shown clear signs of deterioration. Rebuilding it is an important step," Barre said during remarks delivered at the ceremony. He added that the ministry serves as "one of the backbone institutions of the nation" and acts as a gateway for commerce and industrial development.

The prime minister said the reconstruction forms part of the Federal Government's broader effort to modernize national institutions and improve the infrastructure supporting public services. He stated that strengthening government facilities is intended to improve institutional efficiency, expand opportunities for business activity, and create a more attractive climate for domestic and foreign investment.

"Our country is moving toward development and increased production," Barre said. "We expect to see more factories established in Somalia by Somali entrepreneurs as well as foreign investors in the near future."

Officials at the ceremony observed that the existing ministry building had experienced decades of wear, with the redevelopment expected to provide improved office space and administrative capacity for staff responsible for trade policy, industrial development, and investment facilitation. Attendees gathered around the construction site as engineers and project representatives outlined initial preparations before work begins.

Minister of Commerce and Industry Jamal Mohamed Hassan received praise from the prime minister for advancing the reconstruction initiative. Barre described the project as an important investment in strengthening the ministry's institutional capacity and improving services provided to businesses and the public.

A government official who briefed Lamaane News Network during the event said the reconstruction reflects the administration's wider program to upgrade state infrastructure supporting economic governance. The official said improved institutional facilities are expected to contribute to more efficient public administration and better engagement with investors.

The redevelopment comes as Somalia continues efforts to expand economic activity, attract private investment, and strengthen public institutions after years of reconstruction. Government officials have increasingly emphasized infrastructure modernization as part of broader economic reforms aimed at supporting sustainable growth, improving investor confidence, and expanding opportunities for the country's productive sectors.