Question: China’s implementation of zero tariffs for all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China has attracted a lot of attention across Africa and positive response from African leaders and media. Many call it another milestone in China-Africa cooperation. What is China’s comment?

Embassy Spokesperson: The implementation of zero tariffs for all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China is a concrete action demonstrating China’s firm commitment to expanding high-standard opening up and proactively broadening unilateral opening up.

It is an innovative measure and vivid practice in implementing the outcomes of FOCAC and consolidating the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. It also embodies China’s policy towards Africa featuring sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, as well as the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests. This initiative carries epoch-making significance in the history of China-Africa relations and the wider international relations.

In our world, despite the rising protectionism and unilateralism, and intertwined transformation and turbulence, China is sharing opportunities and pursuing common development with Africa through the zero tariff policy. This shows the resolve of both China and Africa to contribute stability to global peace and development.

This initiative will serve as a “golden key” to trade prosperity, a “booster” for industrial investment, a “timely rain” in addressing challenges, and a “bridge linking the hearts” of the Chinese and African peoples. The policy will enable more high-quality and distinctive African products to enter the Chinese market, enhancing the sense of gain and happiness among the peoples of both sides. It will also support Chinese enterprises in “going global” in Africa, bringing more investment and opportunities for industrial upgrading to African countries and strengthening their independent development capacity.

We look forward to this initiative promoting integrated development in China-Africa trade, industry and investment cooperation, enabling businesses and people on both sides to share tangible cooperation dividends, and fostering a sound environment for advancing global trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation.

China will continue negotiating the agreements on economic partnership for shared development with relevant African countries while further upgrading the green channel for African agricultural and food products entering the Chinese market, continuously improving trade facilitation between China and Africa.

China stands ready to take this opportunity to work with Africa to further enrich the substance of the zero-tariff initiative, making it an enduring engine driving the high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation and injecting fresh momentum into the solidarity and cooperation among the Global South.