Somalia, Gabon officials optimistic as countries debut at CIIE

Gamal Mohamed Hassan (center), Somalia's minister of commerce and industry, tours the Somalia National Pavilion at the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2026. (People's Daily Online/Kwizela Aristide Basebya)

Officials from Somalia and Gabon have welcomed the opportunities presented by the China International Import Expo (CIIE), expressing optimism that their countries' debut participation will strengthen trade relations, attract investment and expand access to the Chinese market.

Speaking at the ongoing ninth edition of the CIIE in east China's Shanghai on Nov. 5, Somalia's minister of commerce and industry, Gamal Mohamed Hassan, described the country's first participation as an important milestone in its economic engagement with China.

"Our expectations are very high," he said. "This is the first time Somalia is participating in this expo, and we are very grateful to the Chinese government for facilitating our participation and providing an opportunity for our business community to be here."

Gamal Mohamed Hassan (fifth from left), Somalia's minister of commerce and industry, and Hodan Osman Abdi (fourth from right), Somalia's ambassador to China, pose for a group photo with the Somali delegates attending the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2026. (People's Daily Online/Kwizela Aristide Basebya)

Hassan expressed confidence that the exhibition will create new opportunities for Somali products, particularly by connecting local businesses with Chinese buyers and taking advantage of China's zero-tariff policy for African countries.

"We expect to see more business opportunities here in China and increased exports from Somalia to China. Taking advantage of the zero-tariff policy, I am very positive," he said.

He described Somalia-China relations as excellent, both politically and commercially, noting that China remains Somalia's largest trading partner.

While acknowledging the longstanding presence of Somali businesspeople in China, the minister said his country was keen to expand its export portfolio and achieve a more balanced trading relationship.

For Gabon, participation in the CIIE is also an opportunity to promote its industrial capabilities and attract investment, particularly in the wood-processing sector, according to Roland Alfred Lendoye, head of investor relations at the Nkok Special Investment Zone Authority.

He said the exhibition offers an important platform for connecting companies and investors.

This photo, taken on Nov. 5, 2026, shows the Somalia National Pavilion at the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai. (People's Daily Online/Kwizela Aristide Basebya)

"This opportunity is very important because it brings companies and investors together. There are huge opportunities that we can draw from this engagement," he said.

Lendoye highlighted the importance of processed wood products to Gabon's economy, noting that a significant share of the country's processed wood production comes from the Nkok Special Investment Zone.

He identified China as a major destination for these products, making the CIIE an important platform for strengthening existing commercial relationships and exploring new opportunities.

Roland Alfred Lendoye, head of investor relations at the Nkok Special Investment Zone Authority, poses for a photo inside the Gabon National Pavilion at the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2026. (People's Daily Online/Kwizela Aristide Basebya)

"Our expectation is to establish more connections and attract additional investors to the Nkok Special Investment Zone," he said.

He also called on major Chinese buyers to explore sourcing opportunities for Gabonese products, particularly veneer, plywood and sawn timber, while encouraging Chinese investors to consider establishing businesses in Gabon.

The participation of Somalia and Gabon reflects growing efforts by African countries to use the CIIE as a gateway to China's vast consumer market, while positioning themselves as attractive destinations for international investment.

This photo, taken on Nov. 5, 2026, shows the Gabon National Pavilion at the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai.  (People's Daily Online/Kwizela Aristide Basebya)