African ambassadors to China are voicing strong support for China's recent zero‑tariff measure, saying it will create new opportunities for the continent to boost exports and pursue industrialization amid protectionist headwinds.
Since May 1, China has been implementing an expanded zero-tariff treatment on imports from all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, a landmark move seen as promoting openness and cooperation for the Global South amid rising protectionism and fragmentation in the global economy.
In recent interviews with China Global Television Network (CGTN), ambassadors from the continent welcomed the policy, pointing to myriad opportunities for industries across Africa.
"Definitely a lot of benefits will be brought by the zero tariff extension which was done by China. First, it will make the African goods and services more competitive in China because China is a huge market, so you can imagine the African products, especially agricultural products, accessing this market. It will access this market in a very competitive manner. The African region will grow their economies through revenues from export of goods. The farmers especially will benefit because they are the majority of the people who are involved in economic activities in Africa. And therefore there's going to be a lot of benefits not only for Africa but also for China because China will also access quality, good products from Africa," said Willy Bett, Kenya's Ambassador to China.
The policy is seen as a historic opening that will help the continent transition from an exporter of raw materials to a serious producer of value-added goods.
"The zero tariff by China, unilaterally in favor of Africa, is a great opportunity for African countries to seize. For the first time, African nations can export directly to a market of 1.4 billion Chinese consumers. But beyond trade, this policy will also help African industries attract the necessary investment and infrastructure to produce more — and to produce at a higher quality. By transforming raw materials into finished African products, we can now export competitively to China. Chinese investors are also welcome to collaborate with African companies to further develop and modernize our industries," Maolana Charif, Ambassador of the Union of Comoros to China.
Zambia's ambassador, for his part, pointed out a range of macroeconomic benefits.
"This is a great opportunity because the Chinese market is huge. And therefore, as Africans, we are going to work hard to ensure that we take advantage of this. We increase our exports to China and that will help balance our balance of payments position with China and therefore help improve our economies. Growth, employment — all those will be achieved," said Ivan Zyuulu, Zambia's Ambassador to China.
China's zero-tariff policy to boost Africa's exports, drives industrialization: ambassadors
