Windhoek: The Chinese government has reiterated that negotiations and the signing of a framework agreement are still required for the zero-tariff policy between Namibia and China to become a long-term institutional arrangement. This was said by the Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Chinese Embassy, Wei Jinming, during a media engagement session in Windhoek on Monday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, from 01 May 2026, China implemented a comprehensive zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, excluding Eswatini, allowing duty-free access to its consumer market. 'To ensure that the zero-tariff policy becomes a long-term institutional arrangement, China and Namibia still need to negotiate and sign the framework agreement and the early harvest arrangement for the agreement on the Economic Partnership for Shared Development as soon as possible,' he said.
He noted that the two countries are currently focused on the necessary processes and arrangements. 'It is hoped that both sides will strengthen communication and coordination, sign the framework agreement as soon as possible, and launch negotiations on the early harvest arrangement,' he added.
China is one of Namibia's largest trading partners, with Namibia exporting products such as uranium, copper, diamonds, beef, and fish to the Asian country. The policy is expected to benefit Namibia as its products will enter China duty-free, making them cheaper and more competitive in the Chinese market of more than 1.4 billion people. It is also expected to attract increased investment into local manufacturing and processing industries, thereby supporting industrial upgrading.
The Ambassador of China to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, clarified that the China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development (CADEPA) agreement must be signed for the arrangement to become permanent. 'Because according to World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, China itself is a developing country, and as I understand it, we cannot unilaterally give other countries zero-tariff treatment,' Weiping said. He also said the Chinese government has prioritised support for Namibia's lamb exports to China following the signing of a quarantine agreement for Namibian lamb meat exports.