China’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, says his country’s decision to introduce zero tariffs on all imports from Africa will expand access for Zimbabwean goods into China.
He said the move marked a rejection of global protectionism.
This comes as the United States of America has aggressively increased tariffs on virtually all its trade partners under President Donald Trump’s new trade regime.
“In June, China officially announced zero-tariff treatment for exports from all 53 African countries, including Zimbabwe. This policy will significantly expand access for Zimbabwean products to the vast Chinese market, stimulate local industrial growth, and foster job creation.
“We look forward to working with our Zimbabwean partners to advance this transformational initiative. This initiative represents more than market access; it is a commitment to mutual development and a rejection of global protectionism,” the ambassador said.
He was speaking during an exchange of Letters for the Upgrading and Maintenance of Irrigation Schemes Project ceremony with Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube.
The project will be financed under an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement signed in June 2019 and will rehabilitate 9 irrigation facilities across 6 provinces, boosting productivity for smallholder farmers and strengthening climate resilience.
