Somalia Secures Duty-Free Access for Fish Exports to China In Boost For Blue Economy

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has secured duty-free access for its fish and seafood exports to the Chinese market under a new agreement signed with Beijing, a move expected to boost the country’s fisheries sector, attract investment and expand export earnings.

The agreement, signed in Mogadishu by Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Aden, and Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu, grants Somali fishery products preferential access to China, the world’s largest seafood market by consumption.

Ministry officials said the deal is expected to create new commercial opportunities for Somali exporters by lowering trade barriers and improving access to Chinese consumers, while increasing foreign exchange earnings and creating jobs across the fisheries value chain.

The agreement is also expected to encourage investment in fish processing, cold storage facilities, logistics and other value-added industries, sectors that analysts say are critical to reducing post-harvest losses and improving the competitiveness of Somali seafood exports.

Speaking after the signing, Somali and Chinese officials said the agreement reflected their shared commitment to expanding trade and economic cooperation while supporting sustainable development of Somalia’s fisheries sector.

The deal marks one of the most significant trade agreements for Somalia’s fisheries industry in recent years as the government seeks to diversify exports and unlock the economic potential of its more than 3,300-kilometre (2,050-mile) coastline, the longest on mainland Africa.

Despite its vast marine resources, Somalia’s fisheries sector has remained underdeveloped due to decades of conflict, limited infrastructure and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in its waters. The government has increasingly prioritised the blue economy as a pillar of its National Transformation Plan, with support from international partners aimed at improving fisheries governance, attracting private investment and expanding access to global markets.

China has emerged as one of Somalia’s key trading partners and development partners in recent years, with cooperation expanding beyond infrastructure and health into agriculture, fisheries and broader trade, reflecting growing economic ties between the two countries.