This marked the first gathering of Somaliland’s 100-member Chinese investor community, local entrepreneurs, government officials, and members of the general public for key exchanges. The event highlighted their commitment to playing a pivotal role in the country’s financial ecosystem and serving as a bridge between investors and the global investment community.
Mr. Zhihan, Chairman of the China Commerce Association in Somaliland, stated in his opening remarks: “Dear Members, Partners, Friends of the China Commerce Association, and people of Somaliland, I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound greetings and thank you for your attendance.”
Mr. Zhihan continued: “I am deeply honored to serve as the first Chairman of the China Commerce Association, an organization committed to fostering robust trade, economic cooperation, and enduring business relationships between Somaliland and China. Our mission is clear: to create a vibrant platform for economic and cultural exchange between our nations.”
”Our Association is a non-profit organization that will go a long way toward accelerating bilateral trade,”* he said. “Its main objectives are to promote friendship and cooperation between the Chinese and Somaliland people, including through cultural exchanges. More specifically, we aim to strengthen our communities, facilitate business cooperation, accelerate trade, encourage investment in Somaliland, and increase local employment opportunities.”
He added: “This gathering comes at a time when trade between our countries has been growing rapidly. The China Commerce Association is guided by core values we hold dear: Collaboration, Integrity, Innovation, Inclusivity, and Excellence. These values shape our actions and decisions, ensuring we remain steadfast in fostering strong partnerships, upholding ethical standards, embracing innovation, promoting diversity, and striving for excellence.”
The next speaker, Deputy Chairman Mr. Zheng Haitao, stated: “In this pivotal role as Vice Chairman, I warmly invite each of you to join us on this remarkable journey. Together, we will unlock countless opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural understanding between Somaliland and China. Let us work hand-in-hand to build a future where collaboration knows no bounds and prosperity knows no limits.”
The Vice Chairman further urged Somaliland traders to engage more with the organization to grow their businesses locally and benefit from major international forums:
”We welcome all Somaliland-owned businesses trading with China to join us and reap the benefits of this membership group. We are here to represent you and support your enterprises. We believe in fostering strong partnerships to maximize opportunities and achieve mutual success.”
Aside from strengthening exchanges, key objectives of the Association include bolstering solidarity, promoting mutual understanding, and cementing people-to-people ties. It also aims to embrace innovation, adapt to changing environments, promote diversity, and welcome businesses of all sizes and backgrounds.
Mr. Ali, a Ugandan national representing an international NGO based in Hargeisa, commented:
”Somaliland is blessed with abundant untapped natural resources—unlike other African countries where resources were squandered since colonial times. It is also a peaceful nation in an otherwise unstable region. As Somaliland demonstrates stability and potential, strategically exploiting its resources—especially marine, oil, gas, and minerals—could advance international recognition. Access to foreign direct investment and massive Chinese capital from investors here, who seek to invest in diverse untapped sectors, would be immensely beneficial. Resource projects often necessitate supporting infrastructure like roads, ports, power, and water, creating jobs and benefiting the wider economy.”
“Not to mention the boost to government revenues,” Mr. Ali added
*”Royalties, taxes, profit-sharing agreements, and export duties would provide crucial funds for national budgets, potentially financing public services and development programs.”
Dr. Shuayb Osman Mahmoud, Director General of Somaliland’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals, stated:
”We believe strengthening mutual learning between China and Somaliland will further promote friendship and deepen cooperation. Together, we have embarked on a distinctive path of win-win collaboration. Our future cooperation will exemplify building a new type of international relations.”
Other notable participants included investors from Kenyan, Yemeni, and Syrian communities based in Somaliland. Some shared speeches about their business experiences and Somaliland’s vast investment potential.
Recent trade statistics reveal a significant trade volume between Taiwan and China amount to 177 billion dollars, underscoring the dynamic nature of regional commerce. Establishing similar trading relationships between Chinese investors and Somalilanders could yield comparable benefits. This organization has the potential to attract more affluent Chinese individuals and investors to engage in business ventures in Somaliland. Furthermore, this collaboration can facilitate an increase in our exports and trade with China, surpassing current levels.