CHINA’S ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, says there are no political strings to the zero-tariff offer extended to 53 African countries that have diplomatic ties with the Asian giant country.
In an exclusive interview with NewsDay, the Chinese envoy said the zero-tariff policy, which comes into effect today, embodies a partnership of equality and mutual respect.
“This policy also reflects China’s long-standing philosophy of co-operation with Africa — one based on sincerity, real results, amity, good faith, mutual benefit and equity,” he said, adding that the two-year policy initiative is meant to fully accommodate Africa’s development needs.
“This unilateral tariff elimination connects China’s vast market with Africa’s development potential and will surely inject strong impetus into China-Africa trade and investment co-operation as well as Africa’s economic modernisation.
“It also helps African countries to better withstand external trade pressures, advances high-quality co-operation under the Belt and Road Initiative, upholds the multilateral trading system, and contributes to global economic stability.”
By removing tariffs, it enables more African products to enter the Chinese market with greater competitiveness, helping to unlock the continent’s untapped trade potential and delivering concrete benefits for local livelihoods.
Before the latest development, only 33 least developed African countries enjoyed the zero-tariff regime.
In February this year, President Xi Jinping of China announced a policy shift at the African Union Summit, where he pledged to extend it to the remaining 20 non-least developed countries, Zimbabwe included.
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According to Chinese customs data, bilateral trade between China and Zimbabwe reached approximately US$4,4 billion in 2025 — a year-on-year increase of 15,2% and a record high.
Zimbabwe exported about US$2,57 billion worth of goods to China and imported around US$1,83 billion, yielding a trade surplus of roughly US$0,74 billion for Zimbabwe.
Please visit the NewsDay website www.newsday.co.zw for the full interview.
