Angola's Minister of Commerce: Angola is seeking to turn zero-tariff policy into tangible results at the CIIE

Angola delegates pose for a group photo in front of their national pavilion of the ongoing 9th China International Import Expo in east China's Shanghai, November 7, 2026. (Kwizela Aristide Basebya/People's Daily Online)

Angola is seeking to turn China's zero-tariff policy for African countries into tangible export opportunities, with its participation in the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) reflecting growing ambitions to access one of the world's largest consumer markets, according to Angola's Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rui Miguêns de Oliveira.

He said the expo provides an important platform for Angolan businesses to showcase their products, establish commercial connections and explore opportunities in China.

Speaking in an interview with People's Daily Online at the Angolan national pavilion of this year's CIIE in Shanghai on Saturday, November 7, the minister expressed appreciation for the opportunity to present Angola's export potential to Chinese businesses and consumers, describing China as a major destination for countries seeking to expand their international trade.

Angola's Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rui Miguêns de Oliveira (center) talks to Chinese investors inside the Angola National Pavilion of the ongoing 9th China International Import Expo in east China's Shanghai, November 7, 2026. (Kwizela Aristide Basebya/People's Daily Online)

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to be presenting our potential and our respective products to export to China,” he said.

For him, Angola's participation in the expo goes beyond displaying products- it represents an opportunity to build lasting commercial relationships with Chinese importers and secure a foothold in a market whose enormous scale offers considerable potential for international suppliers.

The minister particularly welcomed China's zero-tariff policy for all African countries with diplomatic ties, describing it as an important opportunity for African businesses to strengthen their presence in the Chinese market.

He noted that preferential market access could encourage African entrepreneurs to establish direct business relationships with Chinese importers, helping them explore new commercial opportunities and expand their export reach.

“It is very important, especially for us as Africans, because it is one way for our businesspeople to take advantage of the opportunity to start operating with Chinese importers and make space in the huge market that China represents,” he said.

The minister said Angolan companies attending this year's expo were determined to make the most of the opportunities offered by the Chinese government's zero-tariff policy.

“We are also very excited about the opportunity, and we think that Angolan companies are here this year trying to do their best to implement what is promised with this zero-tariff policy from the Chinese government,” he said.

The CIIE, one of China's major platforms for international trade and investment, provides participating countries with opportunities to connect suppliers with potential buyers and explore access to the Chinese market and beyond. This year's expo opened on November 5 and will end tomorrow November 10.