Friday May 9, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Aden, met Tuesday with a delegation led by Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Wang Yu, to discuss expanding bilateral economic cooperation, with a particular focus on fisheries and the blue economy.
The meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mogadishu, focused on strengthening the historic ties between the two countries and exploring new opportunities to boost Somalia’s fish exports to international markets.
Minister Aden emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to promoting Somali fish products abroad and praised the existing cooperation between Somalia and China in the fisheries sector. He reaffirmed Somalia’s dedication to developing the blue economy as a key driver of economic growth.
Ambassador Wang Yu said China is prepared to open its large markets to Somali fisheries and blue economy businesses, offering Somali exporters the opportunity to sell their products tax-free. He described the move as a significant opportunity to expand Somali trade globally.
The two sides also agreed to strengthen collaboration to combat illegal fishing and promote sustainable, legal fishing practices. Both officials emphasized that building a strong and regulated blue economy would foster economic resilience and support Somalia’s development goals.
In addition to economic discussions, Minister Aden and Ambassador Wang jointly reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Government of China.