The Ambassador of the Individuals’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has assured that the zero-tariff coverage for African merchandise into the Chinese language markets introduced by President Xi Jinping in February will change into efficient from Could 1, 2026.
The envoy stated this whereas delivering his handle in the course of the official handing over ceremony of the newly accomplished $56.5 million headquarters constructing of Financial Neighborhood of West African States (ECOWAS) to the President of the ECOWAS Fee, Dr Omar Touray and different dignitaries in Abuja on Tuesday.
He stated “efficient Could 1st, China will present zero-tariff remedy for 100 per cent of tariff strains to all African international locations having diplomatic ties with China.
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“These initiatives are a testomony to the continuity and evolution of China’s Africa coverage over 70 years. They underscore our agency resolve to march hand-in-hand with our African brothers and sisters, opening new horizons for Africa’s prosperity and our shared dream of modernisation.
“As Africa’s preeminent regional group, ECOWAS is a crucial engine for West African integration, regional peace, and coordinated improvement.
“We deeply admire the long-standing dedication of ECOWAS and its member states to the One-China precept and the invaluable assist supplied within the United Nations and different multilateral fora.”
Ambassador Dunhai added that the complicated, constructed by Shaanxi Development Engineering Group Company (SCEGC), is a milestone. He confused that it’s China’s flagship support venture for ECOWAS and one other headquarters for a global organisation, following the African Union Convention Centre and Workplace Advanced in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, additionally constructed by China.
The Chinese language envoy, who described the constructing because the “Eye of West Africa”, famous that the “constructing harmonises the excellence of Chinese language architectural method with the distinctive tradition of West Africa, establishing a brand new landmark for the town of Abuja.
“As a contemporary, clever, and multi-functional complicated, it’s going to considerably improve the operational capability of the ECOWAS Fee and supply a strong basis for member states to chart the way forward for regional improvement,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that the edifice shall be a vessel for the aspirations of the West African folks and an emblem of the profound bond between China and Africa, stressing that it’ll bear witness to the regular march of West African nations towards power by means of unity and the flourishing cooperation between China and the area.
“We stay dedicated to a demand-driven method that respects African autonomy and sovereignty, translating our assist into tangible actions for Africa’s revitalisation,” he added.
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President of the ECOWAS Fee Dr Omar Touray, who acquired the important thing on behalf of the area, in his remarks, counseled the Chinese language Authorities for the zero-tariff coverage including that it’ll make Chinese language markets accessible to various African merchandise, thereby rising productiveness, know-how switch, talent improvement and job creation.
Talking on the brand new ECOWAS complicated, Dr Touray acknowledged the excellent contributions of the ECOWAS Challenge Workforce comprising Engineers, Technicians, and Administrative employees who labored side-by-side with their Chinese language counterparts in managing the venture.
“I need to categorical my gratitude in your persistent engagement with the venture, notably in evaluating and approving technical issues. Moreover, we commend AIM Marketing consultant, our High quality Assurance Supervising Marketing consultant, for the excellence of your oversight,” he stated.
In accordance with Touray the formal inauguration and commissioning of the complicated will come later within the 12 months, when the Chairperson of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Authorities, Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, together with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and different heads of state will formally fee this new edifice.
In her remarks, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Overseas Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated the large construction represents the fruitful and progressive relations between China and West Africa, including that the area will proceed to be grateful to the Chinese language for his or her ceaseless efforts in reworking the area.
