Somalia Makes First Appearance at China Import Expo with 40 Businesses

GOOBJOOG NEWS | SHANGHAI: Somalia has participated in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) for the first time, bringing more than 40 local companies to Shanghai as the country seeks to expand exports and establish commercial partnerships in the Chinese market.

Minister of Commerce and Industry Jamal Mohamed Hassan said the participation was aimed at connecting Somali businesses with Chinese buyers and investors while promoting locally produced goods.

Speaking to China Global Television Network (CGTN), the minister said Somalia wanted to demonstrate its readiness to expand trade with China and take advantage of opportunities offered by Beijing’s zero-tariff policy for eligible products from African countries.

“We are here to show that Somalia is ready to trade with China,” Hassan said, thanking the Chinese government for facilitating the country’s participation and providing exhibition space for Somali businesses.

The Somali pavilion is showcasing products including seafood, frankincense and minerals, with business representatives engaging potential buyers and partners to explore export opportunities.

Hassan said the government was committed to supporting local businesses in accessing international markets, adding that its involvement in the exhibition was intended to help companies establish direct commercial links with Chinese counterparts.

He also announced that Somali business representatives would travel to other Chinese provinces and attend a business forum in the coming days to meet additional companies and explore potential partnerships.

Somalia’s participation comes as the government seeks to diversify its export markets and strengthen economic ties with China, one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

The exhibition offers Somali businesses, an opportunity to showcase products, assess demand and establish relationships that could help expand exports beyond traditional markets.

The government is looking to translate the participation into practical trade opportunities, particularly for sectors such as fisheries, agriculture and natural resources.