Add value to raw materials for duty-free exports to China — Chinese Ambassador tells Ghana
Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, has encouraged the country to add value to its raw materials and capitalize on China’s zero-tariff policy for African exports.
He emphasized that accelerating industrialization is key to unlocking Ghana’s trade potential and creating sustainable jobs.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Accra on Thursday, June 19, 2025, Ambassador Tong said Ghana stands to gain significantly from Beijing’s duty-free access initiative, which now covers 98 percent of taxable goods from least-developed countries in Africa, including Ghana.
“This is a golden opportunity. You cannot just export raw materials, raw material is very cheap. Add value to cassava, purple beans, tropical fruits, even textiles where Ghana is already strong, and you can ship them to China at zero tariff,” the Chinese Ambassador urged.
According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, trade between China and Africa reached approximately USD290 billion in 2024, making China Africa’s largest trading partner.
The zero-tariff policy, part of Beijing’s broader strategy to support African development, is designed to encourage value-added exports and deepen economic ties.
Ambassador Tong urged Ghanaian authorities to expedite the necessary bilateral agreements to enable local businesses to take full advantage of the policy.
“Once the agreements are in place, exporters can come to China, meet with Chinese customers, and start shipping value-added agribusiness products,” he added.
