President Xi Jinping Announces China’s Plan To Expand Market Access For African Countries

In a keynote address at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, President Xi Jinping announced that China will unilaterally open its markets wider for African countries.

China will grant zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines to all least developed countries (LDCs) with diplomatic relations with China, including 33 African countries.

President Xi highlighted that this move makes China the first major developing country and economy to take such a step, aiming to turn China’s large market into a significant opportunity for Africa. China plans to: Expand market access for African agricultural products, Deepen cooperation in e-commerce and other areas, Launch a “China-Africa quality enhancement program, Enter into framework agreements on economic partnership for shared development, Carry out 30 infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa, Promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Assist in the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Launch 30 clean energy projects in Africa, Establish a China-Africa forum on peaceful use of nuclear technology, Send 2,000 medical personnel to Africa and launch health facility programs

President Xi emphasized China’s commitment to supporting Africa’s development, epidemic response, and public health capacity building.