China’s zero-tariff policy could boost Namibia exports and investment, ambassador says

WINDHOEK, Namibia, Aug. 31 (XOL Africa) — China’s decision to grant zero-tariff treatment to African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations could help Namibia expand exports, attract foreign investment and accelerate industrialisation, China’s ambassador to Namibia said.

Ambassador Zhao Weiping made the remarks at a China-Namibia Zero Tariff Preferential Agreement Public–Private Dialogue held in Windhoek on Aug. 12. The event was co-hosted by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, Namibia Trade Forum and Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Zhao described China’s zero-tariff treatment as a practical expression of Beijing’s commitment to closer economic ties with Africa and to South-South cooperation.

“This policy will help Namibia increase exports to China, attract foreign investment, and accelerate its industrialization process,” Zhao said.

The policy could provide Namibian producers with greater access to the Chinese market, while potentially strengthening incentives for investment in industries capable of producing goods for export.

Zhao also linked the trade initiative to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s recent visit to China, saying Beijing was ready to use the visit as an opportunity to broaden economic cooperation.

“China stands ready to work with Namibia to take the opportunity of the successful visit of President Nerumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to China to elevate the practical cooperation between China and Namibia across the board to a new level,” he said.

More than 50 representatives from Namibia’s Ministry of International Relations and Trade, the Namibia Revenue Agency and other government institutions, alongside business leaders, attended the dialogue.

Participants welcomed the zero-tariff policy, according to the organisers, reflecting growing interest among Namibian officials and companies in using improved access to China to expand trade and investment.

For Namibia, the challenge will be translating preferential market access into higher-value exports and greater domestic production, particularly as the government seeks to diversify the economy and strengthen industrial capacity.