By Matthew Denis
The China Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has re-emphasised the benefits of extending zero-tariff treatment for 100% tariff lines to all 53 African countries with diplomatic relations.
The Ambassador stated this during the Post-FOCAC Conference for West Africa, held in Abuja on Thursday.
He said, “Days ago, the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of FOCAC was held in Changsha, Hunan Province of China, to advance the implementation of the Forum’s outcomes. This gathering coincided with FOCAC’s 25th anniversary and has drawn significant international attention.
“Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the meeting. Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the CPC and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended its opening ceremony, together with more than 100 ministerial-level officials from Forum member countries, representatives of the African Union Commission, and ambassadors from African countries to China.
“In his congratulatory letter, President Xi Jinping elaborated on the significance of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation, announcing the following measures to expand China’s openness and collaboration with Africa.”
Amb. Dunhai stressed China will extend zero-tariff treatment for 100% tariff lines to all 53 African countries with diplomatic relations, through the entry into agreements on economic partnership for shared development.
Another step he outlined is that China will facilitate enhanced access to exports from Africa’s Least Developed Countries to China, including streamlined goods trade regulations, optimised inspection, quarantine and customs clearance, as well as expanded capacity-building programs and promotion campaigns for premium African products.
“Third, China stands ready to work with the African side to advance the ‘Ten Partnership Actions’ through priority cooperation in green industries, e-commerce and payment systems, science and technology, and AI institutional collaboration in security, finance and rule of law.”
According to him, these measures address Africa’s most urgent development needs, embodying the great spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation. They will significantly boost Africa’s strategic autonomy, charting a new course for high-quality cooperation between China and Africa.
He noted that today’s world is characterised by turmoil and uncertainty, with geopolitical tensions intensifying, development gaps widening, unilateralism proliferating, and protectionism rising. As Foreign Minister Wang Yi rightly pointed out in his speech, standing shoulder to shoulder, China and Africa will ignite greater hope for Global South rejuvenation and forge stronger safeguards for international equity and justice.
“China and Africa must anchor ourselves firmly on history’s right side, champion the times’ progress, and counter the global uncertainty with the stability and resilience of China-Africa relations. I am confident that when the 2.8 billion-plus people in China and Africa unite in purpose and stride forward hand in hand, we will achieve glory on our paths toward modernisation, pioneer thriving modernisation across the Global South, play a pivotal role in promoting an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalisation, and make greater contribution to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.”
He stated that last September, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited China, President Xi Jinping and Tinubu announced the elevation of our bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“As two major developing countries, our relationship now transcends bilateral dimensions and is gaining growing global significance. This year alone, the foreign ministers of our two countries have met three times to have in-depth exchanges on issues of mutual concern.
“Nigeria has demonstrated its international leadership through officially joining the BRICS family, becoming a founding member of the International Mediation Institute, and advocating for justice at multilateral fora including the UN and WHO. Nigeria firmly upholds the one-China principle, supports China’s core interests, and plays an increasingly critical role in strengthening global governance, safeguarding international fairness and justice, and advancing the common interests of the Global South. Since the two Presidents’ meeting in Beijing last year, China-Nigeria bilateral cooperation has embarked on a fast track.
“In the past recent days, we have seen major projects of cooperation between China and Nigeria achieving remarkable progress: the lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State commenced operations; the Ajaokuta Steel Plant revitalisation project advances steadily; and Abuja’s N16 main road and Greater Water Supply project completed. These developments underscore our strong economic complementarity and bright prospects for win-win cooperation. China stands ready to negotiate an Economic Partnership Agreement for Common Development with Nigeria as early as we can, in order to maximise the benefits from China’s zero-tariff policy, share development opportunities and achieve mutual revitalisation goals.
“The thriving cooperation between China-Nigeria today won’t be possible without the continuous support of our Nigerian friends.”
