China's Tariff-Free Deal to Boost Ghana's Exports — Chinese Ambassador

By James Amoh Junior, GNA Accra, November 14, GNA – Mr. Tong Defa, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, has stated that Ghana will be one of the...

By James Amoh Junior, GNA

Accra, November 14, GNA – Mr. Tong Defa, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, has stated that Ghana will be one of the initial African nations to receive complete duty-free access to the Chinese market.

He mentioned that the decision was part of a new trade agreement finalized during President John Dramani Mahama's recent official trip to Beijing, where the two leaders agreed on enhancing mutual economic collaboration.

The Envoy, during a media briefing held at his home in Accra, characterized the zero-tariff extension as one of the key results from the bilateral discussions between President Mahama and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He mentioned that technical teams from both parties are collaborating to finalize the implementation details, ensuring the policy is enacted quickly.

The policy offers duty-free treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines on Ghanaian goods entering China.

This provides tax-free access to what Ambassador Tong referred to as "one of the world's most promising and rapidly expanding markets."

China's population exceeds 1.4 billion, and it is projected that the number of middle-income individuals will rise from over 400 million to 800 million in the near future.

"China has provided zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines to African nations with diplomatic ties, and Ghana will be one of the initial countries to gain from this," said Ambassador Tong.

He pointed out that the setup is one-sided and does not obligate Ghana to provide equivalent tariff reductions.

"China does not demand equal zero-tariffs from Ghana, nor is it aiming to increase its exports to Ghana," he said.

He characterized the policy as an initiative aimed at aiding emerging economies and encouraging manufacturing expansion throughout Africa.

As per the Ambassador, Ghana is expected to gain substantially from higher exports and greater manufacturing activity once the zero-tariff policy is implemented.

He stated that items including cocoa and its derivatives, cashew nuts, rice, shea butter, textiles, handicrafts, and various processed agricultural products will gain wider entry into the Chinese market.

"After the introduction of the zero-tariff policy, Ghanaian goods... can be more effectively exported to China, which will boost production capabilities, draw in additional investments, encourage the ongoing expansion of the industrial supply chain, and stimulate broader industrial growth," he stated.

The Envoy pointed out that the timing closely matches Ghana's industrialization plan and the administration's 24-Hour Economy initiative.

He characterized the agreement as a direct effort towards that initiative, stating, "This is a practical step taken by China to support the '24-Hour Economy,' and we hope Ghana will gain from it as soon as possible."

He referenced previous zero-tariff initiatives for 33 of the world's least-developed African nations following last year's Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), pointing out that exports from these countries to China rose by nine percent from January to August.

He mentioned that China anticipates Ghana will see comparable benefits when the agreement comes into force.

Ambassador Tong observed the growing appeal of African products among Chinese buyers, such as Ghanaian chocolate, South African wines, Rwandan chili sauces, Senegalese tuna, Kenyan avocados, and Beninese pineapples.

He mentioned that Ghana's growing involvement in the China International Import Expo (CIIE), where local exhibitors recently displayed items like cocoa, shea butter lotion, black soap, and handicrafts, indicates significant market interest.

Amb. Tong also highlighted Ghana's important position as the host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and mentioned that this arrangement supports the continent's broader economic integration goals.

"China considers Ghana as the site of the AfCFTA Secretariat. China's market remains open to Ghana, and the gateway will become even more accessible," he stated.

The Ambassador showed assurance that Ghanaian exporters, producers, and investors would take advantage of the chance to increase output and strengthen their competitive edge.

He mentioned that hundreds of Chinese companies currently active in Ghana, spanning sectors like infrastructure, mining, manufacturing, aviation, renewable energy, and oil refining, are prepared to enhance collaboration and generate employment opportunities.

Ambassador Tong emphasized China's view that achievement is collaborative rather than self-serving, highlighting that the zero-tariff policy demonstrates China's dedication to genuine cooperation and collective advancement.

"Under the circumstances of trade conflicts and tariff disputes, we believe China's proposal will provide a boost to Africa's economy," he stated.

He called on Ghanaian media to assist in increasing public knowledge about the opportunity and motivated product creators to focus on enhancing value to gain the most from the emerging market chance.

GNA

Edited by Christian Akorlie

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).