China’s Ambassador to Morocco, Li Changlin, Writes: Lifting Tariffs Will Bring More Opportunities to Africa

By H.E. Mr. Li Changlin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Morocco

The Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held on June 11 in Changsha. In his congratulatory letter, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that China is ready to negotiate and sign the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement for Shared Development, aiming to implement zero-tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines for 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China. He added that China will offer greater facilitation for exports from the least developed African countries to China.

China is also willing to work with Africa to further implement the ten cooperation initiatives for modernization, strengthen collaboration in key areas such as green industry, e-commerce, electronic payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, as well as deepen cooperation in security, finance, and the rule of law, in order to promote high-quality China-Africa cooperation. These new measures provide China’s clear answers to three key questions:

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I. Tariff Increase vs. Elimination

While some countries have used tariffs as political tools, even targeting the least developed African nations, and have abused anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures to build trade barriers against Africa, China has opened its doors to high-quality African products: from Morocco’s argan oil to pineapples from Benin, from Ethiopian coffee to Rwandan chili peppers — all of which are becoming increasingly sought after in the Chinese market. This will lead to closer China-Africa trade relations, enhance the competitiveness of African goods, and foster better economic development in African countries.

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II. Words vs. Actions

Some countries have a tendency to make empty promises in their cooperation with Africa, launch unrealistic or symbolic projects, or even withdraw aid altogether. In contrast, China has engaged in in-depth consultations with its African brothers and jointly developed a clear “roadmap” for China-Africa cooperation. Since the Beijing Summit in September 2024, China has provided Africa with financial support amounting to 130.32 billion yuan and insurance coverage worth 139.95 billion yuan. In Morocco, a Chinese Traditional Medicine Center will soon be inaugurated, and a China-Africa Studies Center is under preparation, in addition to other cooperation projects currently under negotiation.

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III. Decoupling vs. Cooperation

Some countries, in their pursuit of global dominance, have consistently disregarded the interests and concerns of African nations. China, on the other hand, regardless of the shifting international landscape, will always stand with Africa and provide strong support for the continent’s modernization. China is a true friend and sincere brother, standing by Africa as it marches forward on its path to development.

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Modernization is a shared mission for both China and Morocco. As Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized, as long as the 2.8 billion people of China and Africa work together, they will undoubtedly achieve remarkable progress on the road to modernization and build a shared future together.