China informs the World Trade Organization of significant progress in the China Africa Economic Partnership Agreement for Common Development

Geneva, November 18 (Xinhua) -- The World Trade Organization held a meeting of the Committee on Trade and Development in Geneva, Switzerland on the 17th. The Chinese representative announced at the meeting that China had signed arrangements with Congo (Brazzaville) earlier this month regarding the early harvest of the Joint Development Economic Partnership Agreement.

The Chinese representative stated in their speech that in June of this year, China announced its willingness to implement zero tariffs on 100% tariff items for 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations through the signing of the Joint Development Economic Partnership Agreement. Signing the early harvest arrangement is a concrete action to implement the zero tariff measures, which complies with the relevant rules of the WTO authorization clause. In the current situation of intensified global trade turbulence, China is willing to support African countries in better addressing challenges by sharing its super large market and vast development opportunities. China welcomes more African members to accelerate early harvest arrangements with China.

The representative of Congo (Brazzaville) expressed full support for the Economic Partnership Agreement for Common Development and early harvest arrangements. This major measure fully demonstrates China's commitment to South South cooperation and the development of African countries, and is a typical example of enhancing trade inclusiveness. Reaching an early harvest arrangement with the Chinese side is an important milestone in the economic development of Congo, which will help enhance export diversification and maintain trade stability. The Congolese side will complete the necessary domestic procedures as soon as possible to ensure that the early harvest arrangements take effect and are implemented as soon as possible.

Congo (Brazzaville) is the first African country to sign an early harvest arrangement with China, under which China will implement zero tariffs on 100% of its taxable products.