Somalia Makes Historic Debut at China Import Expo with More Than 40 Companies

Mogadishu, (SONNA) – Somalia has participated in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) for the first time, bringing together more than 40 Somali companies in Shanghai to showcase the country’s products and explore opportunities to expand exports to the Chinese market.

Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Jamal Mohamed Hassan, said the participation aims to connect Somali businesses with Chinese partners, promote locally produced goods and take advantage of China’s zero-tariff policy to increase access to the Chinese market.

Speaking in an interview with China Global Television Network’s Zhang Meng, the minister said: “We are here to show that Somalia is ready to trade with China.”

He expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for facilitating Somalia’s participation and providing space for Somali businesses to display their products. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the business community, saying: “We are here to support them and show that the government is with them. We will support them all the way from Mogadishu.”

Somali products showcased at the exhibition include seafood, frankincense and minerals, among other goods. The minister said Somali business representatives were available to engage with potential Chinese partners and explore commercial opportunities.

He emphasized that Somalia’s main objective is to create opportunities for local businesses to export directly to China, noting that the zero-tariff arrangement offers an opportunity to strengthen Somali exports and expand the country’s presence in the Chinese market.

The minister also announced that Somali business representatives would travel to other Chinese provinces and participate in a business forum in the coming days to engage with additional Chinese companies, identify potential partners and develop export opportunities.

Somalia’s participation comes as the country seeks to strengthen its trade relations with China, expand access for its products to international markets and encourage greater engagement between Somali businesses and foreign investors.

The exhibition provides a platform for Somali companies to present their products, establish commercial partnerships and explore opportunities in one of the world’s major consumer markets.