YINCHUAN, China, Aug 29, 2025 – Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Friday addressed a high-level forum on Somalia-China economic cooperation, emphasizing Somalia’s readiness to welcome foreign investment and highlighting the country’s vast natural resources and national reform agenda.
Speaking at the “Somalia-China Business Connectivity Forum” held in Yinchuan, the capital of China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Barre showcased Somalia’s ongoing National Transformation Plan (NTP) and outlined key priority sectors for strategic partnerships.
“Somalia is open for business,” Barre told more than 100 representatives from Chinese and Somali companies. “We invite Chinese investors to come and explore the immense opportunities our country offers—from energy and agriculture to infrastructure and livestock development.”
The forum, co-organized by Somalia’s Embassy in China and Ningxia authorities, aimed to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties, with a broader goal of positioning Somalia as a strategic hub connecting the Arab world, Africa, and Asia.
The Somali prime minister singled out three priority areas for future cooperation:
- Development of renewable and natural energy resources,
- Expansion of agriculture and livestock industries,
- Infrastructure development, including ports, roads, and digital connectivity.
Chinese firms expressed interest in Somalia’s untapped markets, particularly in resource extraction, construction, and logistics, according to event organizers.
In addition to delivering the keynote speech, Prime Minister Barre held bilateral meetings with leading Chinese business leaders and officials to promote Somalia’s economic vision and discuss potential partnerships.
The forum is part of Somalia’s broader push to diversify its international economic relationships and attract sustainable investments to accelerate recovery and growth after years of conflict and instability.
