African nations praise China's policy of zero tariffs
Beginning Sunday, China will implement zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines for all least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations. This initiative marks China as the first major developing nation and the first leading economy to undertake such a substantial action.
TroibNews 
Starting on Sunday, China will implement zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines for all least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations, marking a significant step as the first major developing country and economy to undertake such an initiative.
Observers note that this action addresses the development needs of Global South nations, showcasing China's dedication to sharing development opportunities with countries worldwide through concrete measures.
"This demonstrates China's willingness to further open its market and will promote China-Africa trade," remarked Christopher Mutsvangwa, a member of Zimbabwe's ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front party and ZANU PF secretary for information and publicity, during an interview with Xinhua.
There is a growing interest among Chinese consumers in African agricultural products, with Zimbabwean oranges and other goods successfully entering the Chinese marketplace, according to Mutsvangwa. He added that there are hopes for sesame and other agricultural products to also find a foothold in China.
Rabenja Claudio, a Malagasy international relations expert, noted that products benefiting from China's zero-tariff treatment include a range from Madagascar, such as agricultural items, textiles, seafood, and handicrafts.
In addition to tariff exemptions, China is considering comprehensive measures to enhance trade with Africa. This includes facilitating trade agreements, supporting cross-border e-commerce, and helping African exhibitors participate in various exhibitions in China, as explained by Yang Baorong, a researcher at the China-Africa Institute.
Last month, during the 7th China International Import Expo, China offered over 120 free booths to exhibitors from 37 least developed countries, focusing on showcasing special agricultural products from Africa.
Among the 34 Tanzanian exhibitors at the expo is Tanzania Future Enterprises Company Limited, which specializes in beekeeping products. Jackson Mponela, the company's production manager for commerce and development, stated that the expo is a pivotal step for Tanzanian honey products to penetrate the Chinese market, representing a significant milestone for the Tanzanian honey brand's global aspirations.
Mponela also mentioned that China's policies—including tariff exemptions and support for cross-border e-commerce—along with platforms like the expo, provide tremendous growth opportunities for African enterprises.
This year, the expo also saw the introduction of Madagascar's mutton products for the first time. Michel Anondraka, director general of agriculture and livestock at Madagascar's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, highlighted that access to China's vast market will enhance production for local livestock farmers and accelerate the agricultural modernization of the African nation.
Experts assert that the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines aims to foster development through trade, acting as a powerful catalyst for economic cooperation in the Global South. "Africa is the continent with the largest number of least developed countries, and China's zero-tariff measure aims to drive industrial cooperation upgrading through large-scale trade, enhance China-Africa cooperation, and encourage more countries from the Global South to jointly pursue modernization," Yang stated.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
Observers note that this action addresses the development needs of Global South nations, showcasing China's dedication to sharing development opportunities with countries worldwide through concrete measures.
"This demonstrates China's willingness to further open its market and will promote China-Africa trade," remarked Christopher Mutsvangwa, a member of Zimbabwe's ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front party and ZANU PF secretary for information and publicity, during an interview with Xinhua.
There is a growing interest among Chinese consumers in African agricultural products, with Zimbabwean oranges and other goods successfully entering the Chinese marketplace, according to Mutsvangwa. He added that there are hopes for sesame and other agricultural products to also find a foothold in China.
Rabenja Claudio, a Malagasy international relations expert, noted that products benefiting from China's zero-tariff treatment include a range from Madagascar, such as agricultural items, textiles, seafood, and handicrafts.
In addition to tariff exemptions, China is considering comprehensive measures to enhance trade with Africa. This includes facilitating trade agreements, supporting cross-border e-commerce, and helping African exhibitors participate in various exhibitions in China, as explained by Yang Baorong, a researcher at the China-Africa Institute.
Last month, during the 7th China International Import Expo, China offered over 120 free booths to exhibitors from 37 least developed countries, focusing on showcasing special agricultural products from Africa.
Among the 34 Tanzanian exhibitors at the expo is Tanzania Future Enterprises Company Limited, which specializes in beekeeping products. Jackson Mponela, the company's production manager for commerce and development, stated that the expo is a pivotal step for Tanzanian honey products to penetrate the Chinese market, representing a significant milestone for the Tanzanian honey brand's global aspirations.
Mponela also mentioned that China's policies—including tariff exemptions and support for cross-border e-commerce—along with platforms like the expo, provide tremendous growth opportunities for African enterprises.
This year, the expo also saw the introduction of Madagascar's mutton products for the first time. Michel Anondraka, director general of agriculture and livestock at Madagascar's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, highlighted that access to China's vast market will enhance production for local livestock farmers and accelerate the agricultural modernization of the African nation.
Experts assert that the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines aims to foster development through trade, acting as a powerful catalyst for economic cooperation in the Global South. "Africa is the continent with the largest number of least developed countries, and China's zero-tariff measure aims to drive industrial cooperation upgrading through large-scale trade, enhance China-Africa cooperation, and encourage more countries from the Global South to jointly pursue modernization," Yang stated.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
