China to boost tariff-free imports from Africa

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced Monday that China will further increase the scope of products enjoying zero-tariff treatment for the least developed countries (LDCs)—including Ethiopia having diplomatic relations with China, in a bid to reach $300 billion in total imports from Africa in the next three years.

The pledge was made in Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) 2021 meeting. Chinese leaders are meeting this week with Africa’s political, military, and civil elites in Dakar, Senegal, for the eighth gathering of the FOCAC.

President Xi also announced that China will continue to work with African countries to set up “Luban Workshops”, and encourage Chinese companies in Africa to create at least 800,000 local jobs.