Somalia Seeks Investment Links at China-Arab Expo

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal Republic of Somalia is calling on its business community to seize a rare opportunity for international exposure, as the Somali Embassy in China invites entrepreneurs to participate in the 7th China-Arab States Expo, set to take place from August 28 to 31 in Yinchuan, China’s Ningxia Province.

Widely regarded as one of China’s premier trade and investment forums, the Expo is expected to draw hundreds of companies, investors, and government representatives from across China and the Arab world.

For Somalia, whose trade ties with China have strengthened significantly in recent months, the event represents a key moment to project its private sector onto the global stage.

In a statement issued from Beijing, Somali Ambassador to China Dr. Hodan Osman described the Expo as more than a trade fair, calling it a strategic gateway for Somali enterprises to access new markets, explore advanced technologies, and forge long-term commercial partnerships.

“The 7th China-Arab States Expo is not just a trade fair, it’s a gateway for Somali businesses to engage with global markets, adopt cutting-edge technologies, and forge meaningful partnerships that can drive sustainable growth back home,” she said.

This year’s Expo will highlight key growth sectors such as clean energy, digital economies, specialty commodities, artificial intelligence, and cross-border e-commerce.

Alongside the exhibition halls, a series of high-level matchmaking sessions are planned, designed to connect Somali participants with global stakeholders in fields including agriculture, trade, healthcare, technology, and climate services.

The event arrives at a time of rising commercial momentum between Somalia and China. Over the past six months, bilateral trade has grown by 20 percent, driven in part by Beijing’s decision to grant Somali exports full zero-tariff access to the Chinese market.

The trade concession is expected to boost Somalia’s exports of fish, livestock, organic produce, and environmentally sustainable goods, positioning the country as an emerging player in Africa’s export-led growth landscape.

Somali officials view the Expo as a critical opportunity not just to attract international buyers and investors, but also to showcase the resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial energy emerging from Somalia’s business sector.

With global attention increasingly focused on East Africa’s economic potential, Somali participation in events like the China-Arab States Expo is being seen as essential to broadening trade partnerships and embedding the country more firmly in global commercial networks.

The Embassy in Beijing has called on companies across all sectors, agriculture, services, manufacturing, and technology, to register for the event and prepare to demonstrate their capabilities on a global platform.

In addition to commercial opportunities, the Expo will offer access to the latest international developments in technology, infrastructure, and digital transformation, knowledge that Somali firms can bring back and apply locally.

The Embassy emphasized the importance of timely registration and encouraged interested businesses to submit their application materials, including identification and a completed registration form, to the official consular contact email.

Ambassador Osman said the participation of Somali businesses would reflect the country’s broader vision of economic diplomacy and self-reliance.

“This Expo is about visibility, credibility, and connectivity. Somali businesses are ready to compete and contribute on the global stage,” she said.

The China-Arab States Expo has grown in stature over recent years as China deepens its economic cooperation with Arab and African nations under the Belt and Road Initiative.

For Somalia, this year’s edition may mark a turning point, offering its private sector a rare moment to step forward, tell its story, and unlock new possibilities in international trade.