Chinese envoy urges Namibian businesses to leverage China trade expos, zero-tariff policy

WINDHOEK, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping on Tuesday encouraged Namibian businesses to participate in major trade exhibitions in China to promote their products, expand exports and benefit from China's zero-tariff policy.

Speaking at the Chinese embassy's second press briefing of the year, Zhao highlighted opportunities for Namibian businesses as China rolls out measures to deepen economic and trade cooperation with Africa.

Ahead of the ninth China International Import Expo scheduled from Nov. 5 to 10, Zhao said the trade exhibition provides an important platform for businesses to explore the Chinese market and strengthen commercial ties.

While zero-tariff treatment creates favorable conditions for Namibian exports, businesses need to actively market their products and connect with potential buyers to turn those opportunities into trade growth, he said.

Zhao said the embassy would step up promotional efforts to raise awareness of major trade exhibitions in China and encourage greater participation by Namibian businesses.

China expanded its zero-tariff treatment on May 1 this year to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, including Namibia.

"We encourage more African agricultural products to China, that's why we pay a lot of attention to the export of your grapes to China," he added.

The ambassador said the two countries were actively implementing the outcomes of Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's state visit to China in July.

Delegations from China's provinces of Guangdong and Sichuan visited Namibia in September and October, respectively, to discuss strengthening economic and trade ties and expanding agricultural cooperation, while a number of Chinese companies were advancing investment projects in the country, Zhao added.