WINDHOEK, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Namibia on Monday briefed local media representatives and experts on China's zero-tariff policy for African countries, saying the measure is expected to create new export opportunities for Namibia and support local industrial upgrading.
The policy, effective on May 1, grants zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China, making China the first major economy to unilaterally and comprehensively implement zero tariffs on all African countries with which it has diplomatic ties, according to the embassy.
Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping said that the policy is designed not only to expand African exports to China, but also to encourage countries such as Namibia to move up the value chain by developing more processed and value-added products.
For Namibia, the removal of tariffs is expected to reduce entry barriers, improve the competitiveness of local products, and help enterprises secure more stable access to the Chinese market, the embassy said.
According to the embassy, Namibian products such as beef and mutton, as well as potential exports including wild aquatic products, grapes, and blueberries, are expected to benefit from the zero-tariff treatment, creating significant room for expanding trade with China once relevant export procedures and agreements are completed.
Zhao said the policy could help Namibia shift from exporting mainly raw materials to exporting more processed products by encouraging investment in processing, packaging, logistics, and quality certification systems.
The embassy said the policy could also strengthen Namibia's role as a logistics hub in southern Africa, as rising export demand may help drive the upgrading of transport infrastructure such as roads and ports.
Speaking to Xinhua after the briefing, Namibian business and economics researcher Josef Sheehama described the policy as a positive "game-changer" for Namibia and Africa at large.
"I believe that we will expand our export market and that is an opportunity for Namibia and Africa at large," he said.
Media practitioner Philip Josef said the policy is a positive step, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises and young entrepreneurs, as it can ease pressure on local businesses and improve access to the Chinese market.
He also noted that Namibia should think beyond the immediate benefits and consider how to make the gains sustainable in the long term. ■