Somalia is seeking Chinese investment for its maritime and industrial sectors after a series of talks between officials from both countries aimed at expanding economic cooperation.

The latest mission involved a Somali government delegation touring Ningbo‑Zhoushan Port in Zhejiang Province, where they examined the port’s third container terminal, which handles more than 10 million TEUs annually.

The team was headed by Commerce and Industry Minister Jamal Mohamed Hassan and included Ambassador to China Hodan Osman, Deputy Permanent Secretary Abdirizak Ibrahim, and other senior officials.

During the visit, officials received briefings on cargo‑handling systems, transport coordination and how port operations can be linked with manufacturing activities.

Discussions also covered broader cooperation on developing Somalia’s ports, improving logistics links and attracting investment in trade‑supporting industries, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

A separate meeting in Ningbo focused on China’s experience with industrial zones adjacent to ports, trade policies and customs facilitation mechanisms.

Somalia’s National Transformation Plan for 2025‑2029 identifies port development, transport networks and logistics services as priority areas for boosting the country’s commercial activity.

The delegation’s itinerary also included visits to the Global Digital Trade Centre and Yiwu International Trade Market, where they explored e‑commerce and wholesale trade technologies.

At the Somalia‑China Trade and Industrialisation Forum in Yiwu on November 8, nearly 300 officials, investors and business representatives discussed trade and investment opportunities.

More than 40 Somali companies participated in the ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai, showcasing livestock, seafood, sesame, frankincense, myrrh and minerals to Chinese buyers.

Minister Hassan said the government aims to help local businesses access the Chinese market and build direct buyer relationships.

Overall, the engagements signal Somalia’s intent to broaden its economic ties with China beyond existing trade, focusing on port infrastructure, industrialisation, logistics and export promotion.