By Nuh Mohamed - Reporter
Somalia, July 14 226 – Somalia signed a protocol with China on Monday allowing duty-free entry of Somali seafood products, a move the government said would boost exports and strengthen the country's fisheries sector.
The protocol was signed in Mogadishu by Fisheries and Blue Economy Minister Ahmed Hassan Aden and Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Aden said the agreement would enable Somali traders exporting fish and other seafood products to access the Chinese market without tariffs, describing it as a significant step for the country's fisheries industry.
"Today is an important day for Somalia and for the ministry," Aden said. "The protocol will allow Somali traders dealing in fish and seafood to export their products to China duty-free, opening access to the Chinese market."
He said the agreement formed part of the broader strategic partnership between Somalia and China, which includes cooperation in humanitarian assistance, security, economic development and education.
Related articles
The minister added that the Ministry of Fisheries had expanded cooperation with China through training programmes and academic exchanges, with Somali students and fisheries professionals receiving education and technical training in China.
Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu thanked the Somali government for its cooperation in concluding the agreement and hoped the protocol would facilitate bilateral trade and allow Somali seafood products to establish a presence in the Chinese market.
Somalia has one of Africa's longest coastlines, stretching more than 3,300 kilometres (2,050 miles), but its fisheries sector remains largely underdeveloped despite abundant marine resources. The government has identified the blue economy as a key driver of economic diversification, employment and export growth.
The protocol follows China's broader policy of expanding market access for exports from least-developed countries, including tariff-free treatment for eligible products from African nations.