📋 Tender Overview
GENEVA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The World Trade Organization (WTO) convened a meeting of its Trade and Development Committee in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 17. The Chinese representative announced at the meeting that China had signed an early harvest arrangement with the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) earlier this month regarding the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The Chinese representative stated that China announced in June this year its willingness to implement a 100% zero-tariff policy on products from 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, through the signing of the EPA. The signing of the early harvest arrangement is a concrete action to implement the zero-tariff policy and complies with the relevant rules of the WTO mandate. In the current context of escalating global trade turmoil, China is willing to support African countries in better addressing challenges by sharing its vast market and broad development opportunities. China welcomes more African members to accelerate the conclusion of early harvest arrangements with China. The representative of the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) stated that China fully supports the EPA and its early harvest arrangements. This significant move fully demonstrates China's commitment to South-South cooperation and the development of African countries and is a typical example of enhancing trade inclusiveness. The early harvest arrangement with China is an important milestone in Congo's economic development and will help diversify exports and maintain trade stability. The Congolese side will complete the necessary domestic procedures as soon as possible to ensure that the early harvest arrangement takes effect and is implemented promptly. The Republic of Congo is the first African country to sign an early harvest arrangement with China, under which China will impose zero tariffs on 100% of Congolese products.
