Yinchuan, China – Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has arrived in China to participate in the 7th China–Arab States Expo, a high-level forum opening in the city of Yinchuan aimed at strengthening economic, trade, and strategic partnerships between China and the Arab world.
The four-day conference is expected to bring together heads of state, government representatives, and business leaders to discuss cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and energy. Organizers describe the forum as an increasingly influential platform for deepening China’s economic footprint in the Arab region, while also providing participating states with opportunities to attract foreign investment.
Prime Minister Hamza is scheduled to address the plenary session, where he will present Somalia’s untapped investment potential. His speech is expected to highlight the country’s natural resources, agricultural land, energy prospects, and strategic port infrastructure. Officials say the Prime Minister will emphasize Somalia’s vision of positioning itself as a key trade and investment hub in the Horn of Africa, and as a vital partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Somalia has been working to diversify its external partnerships amid ongoing economic reforms and security challenges. China remains one of its longstanding partners, having invested in infrastructure, ports, and telecommunications across Africa. For Somalia, participation in the Expo is an opportunity to reassert its role in regional economic networks and attract much-needed foreign capital to rebuild its economy.
The China–Arab States Expo, launched in 2013, has grown into a major forum where Arab countries and China negotiate trade deals, energy cooperation, and technology transfers. For smaller economies like Somalia, the forum offers rare visibility on a global stage.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre of Somalia. Attending and delivering a speech at the 7th China–Arab States Expo. August 26, 2025. Yinchuan, China.
To promote Somalia’s investment opportunities and strengthen strategic ties with China and Arab states. By showcasing Somalia’s natural resources, ports, agricultural capacity, and energy sector to attract foreign investors.
Prime Minister Hamza’s participation in the Expo reflects Somalia’s strategic push to secure international investment and reposition itself as a player in global trade networks. While challenges remain at home, Somalia’s pitch in Yinchuan underscores its ambition to leverage geography and resources to build stronger economic partnerships with both China and the Arab world.
