In a landmark move, China is set to grant zero-tariff treatment to all least developed African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, starting this Sunday. This initiative makes China the first major developing country and one of the largest economies to adopt such a comprehensive measure, signaling a significant shift in global trade dynamics.
Observers commend the policy for addressing the development needs of nations from the Global South, underscoring China's commitment to sharing growth opportunities through concrete actions. Christopher Mutsvangwa, a member of Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU PF party Politburo, highlighted that Chinese consumers are increasingly embracing African agricultural products, with Zimbabwean oranges already making their way into the Chinese market.
Rabenja Claudio, a Malagasy international relations expert, noted that Madagascar benefits from China's zero-tariff policy across various sectors, including agriculture, textiles, seafood, and handicrafts. Yang Baorong, a researcher at the China-Africa Institute, emphasized that beyond tariff exemptions, China is actively facilitating trade agreements, supporting cross-border e-commerce, and assisting African exhibitors in participating in Chinese exhibitions.
The recent 7th China International Import Expo exemplified this cooperation, offering over 120 free booths to exhibitors from 37 least developed countries, with a strong focus on African agricultural products. Jackson Mponela from Tanzania's Future Enterprises Company Limited expressed optimism that the expo paves the way for Tanzanian honey products to enter the Chinese market, marking a significant milestone for the brand.
Michel Anondraka of Madagascar's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock echoed these sentiments, stating that access to China's vast market will boost local livestock production and accelerate agricultural modernization in Madagascar.
Experts agree that China's zero-tariff policy is designed to foster development through trade, acting as a powerful catalyst for economic cooperation within the Global South. Yang Baorong concluded, "Africa is the continent with the largest number of least developed countries, and China's zero-tariff measure aims to drive industrial cooperation through large-scale trade, enhance China-Africa cooperation, and encourage more countries from the Global South to pursue modernization together."
Reference(s):
African countries applaud China's zero-tariff treatment policy
cgtn.com
