By Abiola Olawale
The Chinese Government has announced plans to implement a trade policy that would see 53 African countries enjoy zero-tariff access to its country.
It was gathered that the development is part of a move to solidify economic cooperation within the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework.
The zero-tariff access is set to be enjoyed by Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, and 47 other countries excluding Eswatini.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the plan in a statement, following a meeting between senior Chinese officials and African foreign ministers in Changsha.
The statement reads in part: “We, the representatives of the People’s Republic of China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission, guided by the consensus reached by our leaders during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, gathered in Changsha to advance the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration on jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
“We agree that the rise and growth of the Global South represent the trend of the times and the future of development. China and Africa are both important members of and staunch forces in the Global South.
“We call on all countries, especially countries in the Global South, to work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.
“We commend the initiative of jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era for its positive significance in safeguarding solidarity and cooperation of the Global South and defending multilateralism.
“We agree that the frequent occurrence of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying has created severe difficulties for the economic and social development and the improvement of livelihood in African countries and other developing countries. This is a pressing challenge that members of the Global South, including China and African countries, must address.
“Given that certain countries’ attempt to disrupt the existing international economic and trade order by tariffs undermines the common good of the international community, we call on all countries, the United States in particular, to return to the right track of resolving trade disputes through consultation based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.”
