Effective May 1, China will fully implement zero-tariff measures for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. On April 30, reporters learned from the Hunan Provincial Department of Commerce that, to capitalize on this policy opportunity, the department will focus on implementing seven major initiatives to enhance and upgrade Hunan’s economic and trade cooperation with Africa.

1. Actively expand imports of products from Africa. The province will make full use of relevant support policies for the high-quality development of the Pioneering Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation, and will encourage imports of agricultural and mineral products from Africa to meet the needs of domestic industrial development. This policy will be implemented for the year and will be further optimized and upgraded.

2. Improve the overseas warehouse service system. The province will support enterprises in building public overseas warehouses in key regions of Africa, continuing to enhance the capacity of these facilities to create stable and efficient import supply chains. Currently, the province has established public overseas warehouse networks in 12 African countries, including Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire.

3. Advance the construction of mineral testing laboratories. The province will support enterprises in establishing mineral testing laboratories in key African countries. Currently, Hunan's enterprises have established mineral testing laboratories in Madagascar and Tanzania, and are preparing to establish similar laboratories in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, providing professional and authoritative testing services for hazardous elements and mineral grades to enterprises importing minerals.

4. Deepen industrial capacity cooperation with Africa. The province has formulated the "Three-Year Action Plan for Hunan's Economic and Trade Cooperation with Africa (2026–2028)" to encourage enterprises in Hunan to increase investment and cooperation in Africa. Hunan will focus on fostering integrated production-industry-trade (or industry-commerce) projects in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing to drive the import of bulk commodities. 

5. Ensure the success of the "China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) in Africa" series of events. In 2024, Hunan pioneered the "CAETE in Africa" exhibition model, and the brand influence of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo has continued to expand. Moving forward, the province will continue to implement policies encouraging enterprises to participate in exhibitions in Africa, will adhere to the organizing principles of "normalization, professionalization, market orientation, and internationalization," and will build cutting-edge platforms for showcasing the province's competitive industries, products, and enterprises, as well as facilitating project matchmaking.

6. Organize the "Quality African Products" serial events. During the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, the "Quality African Products" logo was launched globally for the first time. This year, Hunan will continue to carry out activities such as online and offline brand promotion and the recruitment and expansion of ecosystem partners. The province will organize distinctive events such as "Quality African Products" promotions in exhibitions, government agencies, and communities to help bring more high-quality agricultural and food products from African countries into Chinese markets. 

7. Cooperate with customs authorities to facilitate market access for agricultural and food products. Hunan will fully leverage the efficiency of the "Pre-assessment System for the Access of African Food Exported to China" to expedite the launch of import operations for approved product categories and generate stable trade results. The province will make full use of the "green channel" for African food imports to China to implement the "African Product Brand Warehouse" initiative and "a marketing campaign for African stores and their products on e-commerce platforms," establishing African product exhibition and marketing centers, expanding offline and online market channels for high-quality African products, and establishing direct procurement channels from major African production areas to the domestic market.

This article is from Hunan Provincial Government. www.enghunan.gov.cn.  

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: hunan.gov.cn