Republic of Congo to benefit from zero tariffs

President Xi Jinping and the Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso jointly announced upgrading bilateral ties to a high-level community with a shared future on Thursday.

Xi noted that the relationship between the two countries serves as an example of China-Africa friendship. He added that both sides should make full use of the political strength of friendship and mutual trust, adhere to win-win cooperation, take actions based on actual conditions, and explore new ways for cooperation.

The Republic of Congo was the first country to reach an early harvest arrangement with China under the agreement on economic partnership for shared development, Xi said.

He said the African country will soon benefit from China's zero-tariff treatment, opening a new chapter in bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

As a co-chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the Republic of Congo has worked with China to actively implement outcomes of the Beijing Summit and achieved commendable results, Xi said.

Sassou Nguesso said that elevating relations to a high-level community with a shared future has created a new framework for common prosperity and development.

He said his country adheres to the one-China principle and looks forward to deepening cooperation with China in various fields.

The Republic of Congo speaks highly of China's decision to implement zero tariffs for African nations and is eager to seize this new opportunity, he said, adding that his country is willing to work with China to promote greater development of China-Africa cooperation and achieve greater progress.

Contact the writer at zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn.