Zimbabwe is poised to benefit significantly from China’s expanding zero-tariff policy for African countries, officials and business leaders said yesterday during an on-site teaching session and business matching forum held at the Hongqiao Market in Beijing.
The event brought together government representatives, trade experts and entrepreneurs from across Africa to discuss how African countries can maximise opportunities arising from China’s decision to open its market further to African exports.
Speaking during the session, Deputy Director of the Enterprise Services Department Liu Tianshu said China’s zero-tariff framework was already transforming economic cooperation between China and Africa.
“China remains committed to building stronger economic ties with Africa through practical cooperation and mutual benefit,” said Mr Liu. “The zero-tariff policy is designed to help African countries expand exports, improve industrial production and accelerate economic growth.”
He said Zimbabwe was among the countries well-positioned to benefit from the arrangement because of its vast natural resources, agricultural potential and growing industrial base.
“Our friendship with Zimbabwe has now reached the level of a strategic partnership,” he said. “This calls for deeper economic engagement, stronger investment flows and more collaborative projects that uplift both sides.”
Liu added that China was prepared to support African countries not only through trade but also through technology transfer, skills development and industrial cooperation.
“We want African products to enter the Chinese market more competitively and sustainably. This is not just about trade volumes, but about building long-term prosperity together,” he said.
Zimbabwean delegates attending the forum welcomed China’s continued support and expressed optimism over expanding bilateral economic cooperation.
One member of the Zimbabwean delegation said the policy creates new opportunities for local exporters and manufacturers seeking access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
“Zimbabwe is ready to take advantage of these opportunities through increased production, value addition and export diversification,” the delegate said. “We believe this framework will help unlock growth in sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism.”
Another delegate said Zimbabwe’s engagement with China continues to deliver tangible economic benefits.
“China has remained a dependable all-weather friend to Zimbabwe,” he said. “What we are witnessing today is practical cooperation that supports industrialisation, job creation and infrastructure development.”
The forum also featured practical business-matching sessions where African entrepreneurs engaged directly with Chinese enterprises to explore investment and trade partnerships.
Business leaders attending the event praised the initiative for creating direct engagement opportunities between African producers and Chinese buyers.
“African businesses need platforms like these to understand market requirements and build strong commercial relationships,” said one African entrepreneur attending the forum. “China’s zero-tariff policy presents a real opportunity for African goods to compete globally.”
China’s growing trade cooperation with Africa reflects Beijing’s broader commitment to strengthening economic integration and supporting industrial development across the continent.
The forum concluded with networking sessions aimed at fostering long-term partnerships between African exporters and Chinese companies.
