China zero-tariff policy brings hope for TZ exporters

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIAN exporters are beginning to benefit from China’s zero tariff policy, with increased market access for agricultural and mineral products creating opportunities for higher exports, industrial development and job creation.

China has removed tariffs on all product categories from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, creating room for Tanzanian businesses to increase exports and explore new areas of trade.

Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian made the remarks yesterday during a farewell ceremony for Tanzania’s delegation to the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai scheduled for 5th to 10th this Month.

She said the initiative could also support Tanzania’s industrialisation ambitions by encouraging contract farming, large-scale agricultural production and investment in processing facilities and cold chain infrastructure.

“The policy which took effect on May 1, this year has already started delivering positive results, including increased competitiveness of Tanzanian products and improved access to the Chinese market,” she said.

According to her, the removal of tariffs has improved the price competitiveness of Tanzanian products, with sesame seeds and cashew nuts attracting increased interest from Chinese buyers,” said Ambassador Chen.

To date, 15 categories of Tanzanian agricultural products have been approved for export to China, while 469 Tanzanian enterprises are registered to export agricultural and food products to China and nearly 12,000 Tanzanian trading enterprises have gained new opportunities.

This year’s exhibition sees 24 Tanzania institutions, comprising 19 exhibitors and five government institutions, participate. Their presence signifies continuous economic partnership between the two countries.

As of last year, the bilateral trade between the two reached approximately 11.28 billion US dollars, underscoring the growing trade relationship and the potential for Tanzanian businesses to expand their exports to the Chinese market.

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China’s imports from Tanzania reached 290 million US dollars in the first half of this year, representing a 12 per cent increase compared with the corresponding period last year.

Opportunities in agriculture, mining, leather and textiles could help the country move away from exporting raw materials towards processed products, creating jobs and increasing foreign exchange earnings.

The first consignment of Tanzanian honey had also entered the Chinese market through a special green channel established to facilitate agricultural exports from Africa.

Earlier, the Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Dennis Londo said the country’s participation in CIIE would provide local businesses with an opportunity to identify international buyers, attract investors and establish business partnerships.

He said the exhibition is particularly important as the country sought to expand its export markets and showcase products that meet international quality standards.

“This delegation would also use the platform to learn modern processing technologies, packaging standards and supply-chain management practices that could help improve the value of locally produced goods,” he said.

Moreover, the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade)’s Director of Trade Promotion Jonathan Nkwabi said the authority had coordinated the participation in collaboration with the East African Commercial Logistics Centre (EACLC) and the Chinese Embassy to help local businesses access international markets.