China eliminated tariffs on 53 African countries, facilitating market access for African exports.

On Monday, Kenyan Vice President Kithure Kindiki and his Chinese counterpart Han Zheng emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral economic relations, focusing on balanced trade and manufacturing cooperation.

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Kindiki stressed that the shared goal is to expand Kenyan exports to China, especially value-added agricultural products, by extending the value chain and strengthening industrial cooperation.

The two diplomats inaugurated the first tariff-free commercial shipment from Kenya to China at Nairobi’s railway station. Han noted that in February, China eliminated tariffs for 53 African countries, all sovereign states on the continent except Eswatini, facilitating market access for African exports.

The Kenyan Vice President pointed out that China is Kenya’s main source of imports, with exports reaching US$210 million in 2024 compared to Chinese imports of US$4.32 billion.

Kindiki highlighted that his country offers “enormous agricultural opportunities” and is a strategic gateway to Africa due to its membership in the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Han expressed Beijing’s willingness to encourage investment by Chinese companies in Kenya, strengthening cooperation in technology, the digital economy, and green energy.

The Chinese vice president reaffirmed the principles of “sincerity and sustainable development,” advocating for the multilateral trading system and an open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory international environment.

Han’s visit to Kenya is part of an African tour that includes South Africa and the Seychelles. China has been Africa’s most important bilateral trading partner for the past fifteen years.

teleSUR: JP

Source: EFE

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