Wednesday July 1, 2026
Beijing (AX) — Somalia’s embassy in China brought business leaders, investors and chamber representatives together in Beijing on Wednesday for the Somalia Industrialization and Special Economic Zones Forum, an event aimed at unlocking new trade and investment ties between the two countries.
More than 300 people attended the forum, which was held under the theme, “Leveraging China’s Zero-Tariff Policy to Promote Somalia’s Export-Led Industrial Growth.”
The gathering was also timed to coincide with celebrations marking the 66th anniversary of Somalia’s independence and unity.
Opening the forum, Somalia’s ambassador to China, Dr. Hodan Osman Abdi, said China’s zero-tariff policy had opened fresh doors for Somali exports and for wider industrial development.
She pointed to Somalia’s strategic location, abundant natural resources and young population as advantages that could help drive growth and draw investors.
Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Gamal Mohamed Hassan, used his remarks to outline the federal government’s industrialization agenda and urged Chinese firms to consider investing in Somalia.
He singled out fish processing, agriculture, livestock and energy as priority sectors for potential investment.
Mohamed Dubo Mohamed, executive director of the Somalia Investment Promotion Office, or SOMINVEST, detailed the country’s investment opportunities, incentives and the sectors identified for industrial and economic development.
The forum also put a spotlight on major projects under Somalia’s National Transformation Plan, including the New Mogadishu Special Economic Zone.
Engineer Ahmed Kirish presented the project and described plans for modern ports, airports, industrial zones and the infrastructure needed to support them.
On the sidelines of the event, Somali and Chinese companies held business-to-business meetings to explore partnerships and discuss possible investment deals.
According to the embassy, the forum forms part of its broader push to attract investment, deepen economic cooperation and widen trade between Somalia and China.
Officials said China’s zero-tariff policy for goods from African countries, including Somalia, could help create new export openings and support the country’s drive toward industrialization and economic transformation.
