China to implement zero tariffs on African diplomatic allies during 15th Five-Year Plan
China will grant zero-tariff treatment to least developed countries with diplomatic ties, including all African nations, during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. The Belt and Road Initiative has seen trade with partner countries exceed 50% of China's total foreign trade since 2024.
China will implement zero-tariff treatment for all African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), the Ministry of Commerce announced on 11 November. The policy will also apply to all least developed countries that have established diplomatic ties with China.
The announcement came during a press conference held by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on the progress and future plans of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Liang Linchong, director of the NDRC's Regional Openness Department, said the BRI has focused on connectivity as its main theme, bringing more certainty and stability to a turbulent world.
According to Liang, China has signed BRI cooperation documents with more than 150 countries and over 30 international organisations since 2013. Data shows that since 2024, the share of goods trade between China and BRI partner countries has consistently exceeded 50 per cent of China's total foreign trade value. In the first three quarters of this year, China's imports from partner countries grew by 17.9 per cent year-on-year. The China-Europe Railway Express has operated more than 140,000 trips, carrying goods worth over 560 billion yuan (approximately US$77.5 billion).
The Ministry of Commerce said the 15th Five-Year Plan period will see China guide enterprises to participate in cooperation in emerging areas such as green energy, digital economy and artificial intelligence. The zero-tariff policy for African diplomatic allies is a key component of this strategy.
Zhuo Zhuang, deputy director of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, highlighted the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's role in promoting the 'Green Silk Road' initiative. He said authorities have issued an action plan for building the Greater Bay Area into a pilot zone for an 'Ecological Civilisation China'. The ministry will strengthen cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao, promote high-level events such as the Hong Kong International Environmental Protection Expo, and utilise the 'Hong Kong BRI Sustainable Green Development Training Centre' for capacity building. It will also support Hong Kong in developing a 'green, low-carbon, high-value-added supply chain service centre' and promote product carbon footprint evaluation and mutual recognition across the Greater Bay Area.