By Amadou Jadama in Beijing
Masanneh Kinteh, The Gambia’s ambassador to China has told The Standard that China’s zero tariff policy for 53 African countries, including The Gambia presents a historic opportunity for Gambian farmers, businessmen and young entrepreneurs to export directly to China.
The policy took effect from 1st May this year and expires on 30th April 2028.
Chinese officials said the move makes China the first major economy to extend unilateral comprehensive zero tariffs treatment to all African countries and all least developed countries with diplomatic relations.
In an exclusive interview with The Standard at his office at the Gambian Embassy in Beijing, Ambassador Kinteh described the policy as a significant trade initiative under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation framework that grants low tariff free trade treatment for eligible products from African countries with diplomatic ties to China.
He said the policy covers virtually all tariff lines, including agricultural products, fisheries products, manufactured goods, textiles, and minerals.
“This initiative represents an important opportunity for African countries to expand exports, promote value addition, and strengthen their participation in global value chains,” he said.
The former army chief further stressed that the initiative also aligned with the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seek to promote trade, industrialisation, and sustainable economic transformation across the continent.
He added: “For The Gambia, this initiative presents a valuable opportunity to expand our exports, attract investment, and strengthen our economic engagement with China. It provides our producers and businesses with greater access to a large and growing market, particularly in sectors where we have comparative advantage, such as agriculture and fisheries.
“Beyond market access, this initiative can support our broader development objectives by encouraging value addition, supporting local industries, creating employment opportunities, and helping our private sector become more competitive.
“However, to fully benefit from this opportunity, we must continue to improve our production capacity, strengthen quality assurance systems, and ensure that our products meet China’s market requirements and standards.
“I want to assure Gambians that the embassy is fully committed to ensuring that The Gambia benefits from this important opportunity. We see ourselves as a bridge between Gambian businesses, our institutions at home, and the Chinese market. We will continue to support our entrepreneurs, exporters, and producers by providing information, facilitating connections, and working with partners to address challenges to market access.
“I encourage Gambians, especially our private sector, farmers, and young entrepreneurs, to prepare themselves. With the commitment of our businesses, support from our institutions, and cooperation with China, we believe Gambian products can gain a stronger presence in the Chinese market and contribute to our national development,” he concluded.
