Mogadishu, Somalia –  Somalia’s Council of Ministers, chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre in Mogadishu, has approved several measures covering passports, trade and the judiciary.

The council was briefed on Somalia’s new third-generation electronic passport and was told that changes to personal data in issued passports have been stopped entirely to strengthen the document’s credibility.

Ministers also approved a Rules of Origin Bill allowing goods containing at least 30% Somali content to qualify for preferential treatment in regional markets. The law is aimed at boosting local production and exports following Somalia’s entry into the East African Community and its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The council also confirmed four appointed members of the Judicial Service Council, which oversees key judicial appointments and administration.

The meeting further reviewed government performance reports and plans for an electronic cabinet system.