In today’s globalised world where international cooperation and communication exchange are particularly important, a high-level government delegation from Somalia, along with leaders from the China Overseas Fisheries Association, visited the Windows to Global Trade (WGT) in Haikou on August 26th for a significant discussion and exchange event. This gathering aimed to enhance industrial cooperation between Hainan and Somalia, expand Hainan's international network, and bolster the development of the "two headquarters" bases Project. The event marked a strategic step towards fostering stronger ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration between the two regions.

The delegation from Somalia, accompanied by representatives of the China Overseas Fisheries Association, embarked on a comprehensive tour of the WGT. Their first stop was the “One-stop” Business and Investment Service Centre located on the ground floor of the WGT complex, where they had the opportunity to experience firsthand the streamlined business services offered by the Hainan Free Trade Port.

Continuing their exploration, the group ascended to the 30th floor to visit the boutique exhibition hall, where they were briefed on the operational milestones and the array of supporting services provided by WGT for its conferences and exhibitions. This visit was instrumental in offering the delegation a more tangible and holistic view of the Hainan Free Trade Port's initiatives and the projects spearheaded by the WGT, fostering a deeper understanding of the potential for future collaboration and mutual growth.

During the meeting, Abdi Cise Dirshe, General Director of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Somalia, addressed the attendees at a recent meeting, highlighting the burgeoning economic and trade ties between China and Somalia. He emphasized the striking similarities and vast potential for collaboration between Hainan and Somalia in the realms of marine resources and fishery development.

Furthermore, General Director Abdi Cise Dirshe provided an in-depth overview of Somalia's strategic geographical positioning, its abundant fishery resources, and the ongoing enhancements in regional security. His address conveyed a fervent aspiration to establish a Somali representative office in Hainan, with the aim of bolstering cooperation and fostering exchange between China and Somalia within the blue economy sector. His vision is to synergize efforts towards mutual economic advancement and prosperity.

The Somali Counselor also outlined his proactive role in facilitating the establishment of a Somali representative office, with efforts spanning from the ambassadorial level to the broader scope of national relationship cooperation. He conveyed his anticipation for an expansion of collaborative initiatives with Hainan, aiming to achieve a more comprehensive and profound partnership in the future. He highlighted the long-standing and storied friendship between Somalia and China, expressing his hope that the ongoing visit and discussions will serve to further solidify and intensify this historic relationship. His remarks underscored a shared aspiration to invigorate the cooperative and developmental efforts of both nations, signaling a commitment to a future enriched by mutual support and progress.

Liu Xinyu, Executive Director of the Windows to Global Trade (WGT), extended a warm welcome and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Somali delegation for their visit. In his address, he elaborated on the WGT's role and strategic positioning as a pivotal investment service platform within the Hainan Free Trade Port ecosystem. He shared insights into the platform's successful track record, particularly in facilitating business opportunity exchanges and capitalizing on the synergies of public-private joint investment initiatives.

Director Liu affirmed that the WGT is committed to harnessing its capabilities to the fullest extent, offering extensive support and assistance to Somali enterprises looking to invest in the Chinese market via Hainan, as well as to Chinese enterprises seeking to penetrate the Somali market through the same gateway. This commitment underscores the WGT's role as a catalyst for economic engagement and a bridge for cross-border business endeavors between the two nations.

During the business promotion session, Director Liu also presented an insightful analysis on the “Two headquarters” policy of the Hainan Free Trade Port. Liu emphasized the distinctive policy benefits that the Hainan Free Trade Port provides, such as preferential tax policies, an effective talent attraction strategy, and innovative financial mechanisms, all of which are instrumental in nurturing a conducive environment for the expansion of both local and global enterprises.

Furthermore, acknowledging the rich marine and fishery resources shared by Hainan and Somalia, Director Liu underscored the significant potential for cooperation in these areas. He voiced his anticipation for fostering further exploration of collaborative opportunities between Hainan and Somalia, with the aim of jointly writing a new chapter in the development of the blue economy. This forward-looking approach is set to pave the way for innovative and mutually beneficial partnerships that align with the strategic interests of both regions.

The successful convening of this meeting has significantly bolstered the understanding and mutual trust between Hainan and Somalia, charting a clear course for future collaborative endeavors.

As a key component of Hainan's investment attraction strategy, WGT is poised to capitalize on the Free Trade Port's business-friendly environment and the platform's resourceful advantages. WGT is also committed to delivering high-quality and efficient services tailored to facilitate the establishment of both domestic and international enterprises in Hainan.

The ultimate goal of WGT is to construct an international business opportunity matchmaking platform, which will serve as a catalyst for the vibrant growth and prosperity of the Free Trade Port. This strategic move is expected to enhance Hainan's position as a hub for global trade and investment, fostering a dynamic and mutually advantageous economic landscape.