Cameroon is mobilising exporters to take advantage of China’s new zero-tariff policy for African products, opening access to a market of more than 1.4 billion consumers.
Trade Minister Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana and Chinese Ambassador Xu Yong discussed ways to help Cameroonian businesses benefit from the new framework during talks in Yaounde this week.
Cameroon is among African countries eligible for the scheme, which provides duty-free access to Chinese markets for products originating from African states that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing.
The policy, which came into effect on May 1, is designed to expand trade opportunities and encourage greater exports from African economies.
According to Cameroon’s Ministry of Trade, the initiative could create opportunities for exporters in sectors including cocoa, coffee, processed timber, cotton, fruits, spices, vegetable oils, dried cattle horns and handicrafts.
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China has also introduced trade facilitation measures known as “Green Corridors” to accelerate the movement of African goods into its market through simplified customs procedures and adjustments to some non-tariff requirements.
These measures are expected to help exporters overcome administrative barriers, particularly those related to sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
Ambassador Xu Yong said China wants Cameroon to benefit from the programme quickly, adding that the initiative aims to support African producers, including smallholder farmers and organised producer groups.
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The talks came shortly after Cameroon’s Ministry of Trade launched an awareness campaign to inform businesses about the procedures required to access the Chinese market.
The ministry urged companies in eligible sectors to engage with government officials or the Economic and Commercial Service of the Chinese Embassy in Yaounde for guidance on registration with Chinese customs authorities.
Registration is required before exporters can use the duty-free arrangement.
Minister Mbarga Atangana said the government had begun sensitising businesses and putting support measures in place to help companies complete registration procedures and meet Chinese market requirements.
Several African exporters have already started benefiting from similar access arrangements, including Benin through pineapple exports, Kenya through avocado exports and South Africa through apple shipments.
Cameroon and China said they would continue strengthening cooperation and awareness campaigns to ensure local producers are able to take advantage of the new trade opportunities.
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The initiative comes as African countries seek to increase exports of processed and agricultural goods, reduce trade barriers and gain greater value from their natural and agricultural resources.
