Wednesday July 1, 2026
Beijing (HOL) — Somalia’s embassy in China hosted the Somalia Industrialization and Special Economic Zones Forum in Beijing, bringing together Somali and Chinese business leaders, investors and chambers of commerce to explore trade and investment opportunities.
The forum drew more than 300 participants and was held under the theme, “Leveraging China’s Zero-Tariff Policy to Promote Somalia’s Export-Led Industrial Growth.”
In her opening remarks, Somalia’s ambassador to China, Dr. Hodan Osman Abdi, said China’s zero-tariff policy has created new opportunities for Somali exports and industrial development.
She highlighted Somalia’s strategic location, natural resources and youthful population as key factors that could support economic growth and attract investment.
Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Gamal Mohamed Hassan, outlined the federal government’s industrialization agenda and encouraged Chinese companies to invest in Somalia.
He identified fish processing, agriculture, livestock and energy as priority sectors for investment.
Mohamed Dubo Mohamed, executive director of the Somalia Investment Promotion Office, or SOMINVEST, presented Somalia’s investment opportunities, incentives and priority sectors for industrial and economic development.
The forum also showcased flagship projects under Somalia’s National Transformation Plan, including the New Mogadishu Special Economic Zone.
Engineer Ahmed Kirish presented the project, outlining plans for modern ports, airports, industrial zones and supporting infrastructure.
Business-to-business meetings were held on the sidelines of the forum, giving Somali and Chinese companies an opportunity to discuss partnerships and investment prospects.
The forum is part of the Somali embassy’s efforts to promote investment, strengthen economic cooperation and expand trade relations between Somalia and China, according to the embassy.
Officials said China’s zero-tariff policy for products from African countries, including Somalia, could help open new export markets and support Somalia’s industrialization and economic transformation agenda.
