Somalia Explores China’s Digital Trade Model to Advance Trade and Industrial Development

Mogadishu, (SONNA) – The Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Jamal Mohamed Hassan, has led a delegation on a working visit to the Global Digital Trade Center and the first and second phases of the Yiwu International Trade Market in Zhejiang Province, China, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, industrial development and technology.

The visit, organized by the Somali Embassy in China in collaboration with the Zhejiang Provincial Government, provided an opportunity for the Somali delegation to examine how digital technology is transforming international trade and connecting manufacturers, businesses and global markets.

The minister and his delegation were accompanied by the Mayor of Yiwu and officials from the city’s Commerce Department and Foreign Affairs Office. They received briefings from the management of the facilities and observed the use of modern technology in facilitating commercial operations and international market access.

The Global Digital Trade Center in Yiwu utilizes artificial intelligence, e-commerce platforms, digital payment systems and modern logistics services to help businesses connect directly with international customers, manage orders and reduce operating costs.

Yiwu, despite having limited natural resources, has developed into one of the world’s major commercial hubs by integrating manufacturing, wholesale markets and digital technology. The city maintains trade links with more than 230 countries and regions worldwide.

The experience offers potential lessons for Somalia as it seeks to modernize its commercial sector and address infrastructure challenges. Digital marketplaces, electronic payment systems and improved logistics could create new opportunities for Somali businesses and producers, particularly in agriculture, livestock, fisheries and manufacturing.

The visit forms part of the minister’s working tour of Zhejiang Province and follows the Somalia-China Trade and Industrial Cooperation Forum held in Yiwu on November 8, which brought together nearly 300 Somali and Chinese officials, investors and business representatives.