THE EAST AFRICA

CHINA LAUNCHES ZERO-TARIFF POLICY WITH 33 AFRICAN COUNTRIES

CHINA LAUNCHES ZERO-TARIFF POLICY WITH 33 AFRICAN COUNTRIES
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Faith Nyasuguta

China has implemented a zero-tariff policy benefiting 33 African nations, marking a significant step in strengthening China-Africa trade relations. This initiative, announced during the September China-Africa Forum, is part of a wider strategy to foster industrial growth and cooperation with developing nations across the Global South.

Under this policy, China has eliminated tariffs on all imports from least-developed countries, including African states. The goal is to promote industrial cooperation, upgrade trade partnerships, and encourage shared modernization efforts. The Chinese government highlights the policy as a measure to enhance economic ties and provide mutual development opportunities.

Driving Development in Africa

Yang Baorong, a researcher at the China-Africa Institute, emphasized that the zero-tariff policy aims to elevate trade and industrial cooperation. “Africa is the continent with the largest number of least-developed countries. This measure is designed to drive large-scale trade and encourage modernization across the Global South,” Yang explained in an interview with Xinhua.

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Rabenja Claudio, an international relations expert from Madagascar, noted the immediate benefits for African exporters, citing examples such as agricultural produce, textiles, seafood, and handicrafts gaining duty-free access to Chinese markets.

Christopher Mutsvangwa, a senior official in Zimbabwe’s ruling party, also praised the initiative, expressing optimism about its potential to strengthen commercial ties between China and Africa.

$51 Billion Investment Pledge

In addition to the zero-tariff policy, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a $51 billion investment pledge for Africa during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. The investment plan includes tripling the number of infrastructure projects in Africa, focusing on clean energy, green technology, and high-tech developments.

Key components of the investment pledge include:

  • 30 infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity across the continent.
  • 30 clean energy initiatives to address power shortages.
  • Collaboration in nuclear technology for sustainable energy solutions.
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President Xi emphasized China’s readiness to deepen cooperation in industries such as agriculture, infrastructure, trade, and investment. He also called for a China-Africa network integrating land and sea links to facilitate coordinated development.

Renewed Commitment to Africa

China’s removal of COVID-19 restrictions has allowed its contractors to resume projects in Africa that were previously stalled. President Xi encouraged Chinese companies to reinvest in the continent, highlighting China’s continued dedication to regional development despite a shift towards high-tech ventures.

China’s latest initiatives reflect a long-standing partnership with Africa, with the zero-tariff policy and investment pledges signaling a commitment to fostering economic growth and modernization in the region. By providing tariff-free market access and supporting infrastructure development, China aims to solidify its role as a key partner in Africa’s development journey.

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Faith Nyasuguta

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