The zero-tariff treatment China had granted for six least-developed African countries officially took effect on Monday. Experts and industry players noted that the move will bolster trade between China and Africa while showing a demonstration effect for China's cooperation with other markets.
The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council, China's cabinet, announced on December 6 that 98 percent of taxable products from Angola, The Gambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Madagascar, Mali and Mauritania would be exempt from import tariffs starting on Monday.
The 98 percent of taxable products cover a wide range of food commodities from coffee, palm oil, seafood and spices to non-food crops such as sisal and rubber, according to media reports.
Moreover, these six countries are rich in resources. For instance, the DRC is an important producer of cobalt while Angola is major exporter of crude oil and diamonds, per the reports.
