Dubai – Somalia has set goals to improve the country’s infrastructure in sectors such as agriculture and energy. Its goals are displayed in the African country’s pavilion in Expo 2020 Dubai. The world exhibition takes place in the United Arab Emirates and runs until the end of this month. Somalia, which is also an Arab country, has a space in the Opportunity District.
With the motto “Connecting people, creating opportunities,” Somalia brought to the event highlights such as agriculture, a key sector in the growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Fishing was also highlighted for its promising future. In recent years, fisheries yearly production leaped from 30,000 tonnes in 1994 to 200,000 tonnes.
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The country is also showing visitors its potential in energy-related sectors, such as oil and gas, in addition to its interest in receiving investments in clean power sources.
Blue economy
Among the strategies highlighted by the African country towards development is working on a ‘blue economy.’ According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the blue economy seeks to develop ocean health and economic growth without neglecting equity and social inclusion principles. Somalia has an extensive coastline and is bathed by the Indian Ocean and, to the north, the Gulf of Aden.
Ancestry
In addition to showing its goals for the future, Somalia also brought historical records to its space at Expo 2020. Along its coast, the country became connected and received different navigators and explorers over its history. Two of those featured in the exhibition were Ibn Battuta, a well-known Moroccan scholar, and traveler, and Zheng He, a Chinese admiral. Both left records of their passages through the lands of what is now Somalia and contributed to documenting the country’s history.
At the end of the exhibition, the visitor will find different items produced in Somalia. Among the products on sale are jewelry made with stones such as alexandrite and agate and Somali cosmetics such as creams and perfumes.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
