Somalia, China Sign Landmark Fisheries Agreement Granting Tariff-Free Access to Chinese Market

MOGADISHU – Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Adan, and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Somalia, Wang Yu, have officially signed a landmark agreement that will allow Somali fishery products to be exported to the Chinese market on a tariff-free basis.

The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Fisheries headquarters in Mogadishu, marks the first time Somali seafood products will formally benefit from duty-free access to one of the world’s largest seafood markets, significantly enhancing the competitiveness and export opportunities for Somali fishermen and traders.

Minister Highlights Transformational Opportunity

Minister Ahmed Hassan Adan described the agreement as a major victory for Somalia, particularly for fishermen, traders and all stakeholders in the fisheries sector. He noted that the deal strengthens the economic ties between Somalia and China and opens a new chapter of cooperation and investment beneficial to both nations.

The minister’s remarks build on previous statements in which he described China’s tariff-free policy as a “transformational opportunity” for Somalia’s fisheries sector. China has officially lifted domestic tariffs on seafood imports from Somalia, allowing Somali-owned and joint-venture companies to export seafood products to the Chinese market tariff-free.

Chinese Ambassador Affirms Commitment

Ambassador Wang Yu stated that the agreement will facilitate trade between the two countries and enhance commercial exchange and economic cooperation. He noted that the deal will bring tangible benefits to the peoples of both Somalia and China.

The ambassador’s remarks come amid a period of heightened diplomatic and economic engagement between Mogadishu and Beijing. Somalia and China have officially launched the China Research and Modernization Center within the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving as an intelligence and academic hub focused on advancing bilateral coordination.

Expanding Cooperation in the Blue Economy

The agreement is part of broader efforts to strengthen Somalia’s blue economy sector. Somalia and China have agreed to expand cooperation in the blue economy sector, with both sides recognizing the sustainable utilization of Somalia’s vast maritime resources as a critical pillar for future economic growth.

China has announced a historic extension of its zero-tariff policy to all 53 African nations with which it maintains diplomatic ties, effective May 1, 2026. The initiative eliminates customs duties on 100 percent of tariff items for imported products, seeking to boost trade, promote industrialization and broaden market access for African goods.

During a high-level meeting with Ambassador Wang Yu, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to the One-China policy, acknowledging the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate government of China.

Strengthening Bilateral Trade Relations

The fisheries agreement follows a series of high-level engagements aimed at deepening trade and economic ties between the two nations. The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Jamal Mohamed Hassan, has held discussions with Ambassador Wang Yu focusing on strategies for enhancing trade and economic collaboration.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has highlighted Somalia’s untapped opportunities in fisheries, agriculture, renewable energy and infrastructure at the China-Arab States Expo, urging Chinese and Arab partners to take advantage of Somalia’s growing market.

Somalia’s exports to China have surged nearly 40 percent this year, a shift that Embassy officials described as an unmistakable sign of growing economic confidence. Two-way trade reached $972 million in 2024.

Way Forward

The agreement has been published on the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy’s website. The ministry views the deal as a strategic step toward boosting Somali exports, strengthening the blue economy, and creating new employment and sustainable economic development opportunities.

With Somalia possessing Africa’s longest coastline stretching over 3,300 kilometers and some of the richest fishing grounds in the region, the agreement opens new pathways for Somali fishermen and traders to access the Chinese market. The country’s blue economy holds billion-dollar promise if managed effectively, with sustainable utilization of maritime resources seen as a cornerstone for long-term economic growth.