China opens duty-free market to Somali seafood exports

Somalia has signed a protocol with China allowing duty-free entry of Somali seafood products, a move the government says will boost exports, attract investment and strengthen the country's fisheries sector.

The agreement, signed in Mogadishu by Ahmed Hassan Aden, Somalia's minister for fisheries and blue economy, and Wang Yu, Chinese ambassador, sets out the requirements for Somali seafood products, including tuna, lobster and other wild marine products, to be exported directly to China under Beijing's zero-tariff policy.

Aden described the deal as a significant milestone for the Horn of Africa nation, which has Africa's longest coastline stretching more than 3,300 kilometers, saying it would unlock access to one of the world's largest consumer markets.

"This protocol marks a new chapter in Somalia-China economic cooperation, giving Somali fish and seafood exporters duty-free access to the vast Chinese market and creating significant new opportunities for our fisheries sector," Aden said.

He said the agreement reflects the growing partnership between the two countries, noting that cooperation has expanded beyond trade to include capacity building through training programs and academic exchanges.

Somali students and fisheries professionals have been studying in China and receiving technical training aimed at developing the country's fisheries industry, he stated.

The Somali Department of Fisheries Production and Development said the expanded market access for high-quality fishery products is expected to increase export earnings and create jobs across the fisheries value chain.

"This will attract investment in fish processing and cold-chain infrastructure and strengthen the sustainable development of Somalia's blue economy," Abdulkadir Abdinor, director of the department, said.

The agreement aligns with China's broader policy of expanding market access for least-developed countries by granting zero-tariff treatment to exports.

It also builds on Beijing's decision to extend duty-free treatment across all tariff lines to the 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, further strengthening China-Africa trade and economic cooperation.