Photo by Liu Xiaomin
“Changsha gave me the opportunity to develop.” After settling in the International Youth Entrepreneurship Port in the Changsha Area of China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone as an outstanding international student in 2023, ZAKI, a global entrepreneur from Somalia, launched Changsha BADMAAX trade co., ltd. the same year. Establishing a procurement radius centered around Changsha, ZAKI sources fine Hunan-based products and sells them to Africa. The company is now thriving, achieving a cumulative import and export volume of 400,000 dollars.
"Foreign graduates in Changsha who want to start a business can apply for a 'business visa.' I am the first foreigner to get this visa!" In ZAKI's opinion, except for the "business visa," Changsha has provided many favorable policies for foreign entrepreneurs, providing endless new opportunities for international youth like him to pursue their dreams.
In the future, ZAKI plans to sell agricultural machinery from China to Somalia and build a trade bridge between China and Africa. If possible, he would like to help Somali clients make purchases in China and help Chinese enterprises invest in Somalia, achieving a "mutual pursuit" of economic exchanges between the two sides.