Beijing, 17 August 2022 (TDI): China will support and facilitate the entry of more high-quality and distinctive African agricultural imports into the Chinese market.
China’s Spokesperson to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a regular news briefing. He mentioned this step in response to a query on the Chinese measures to facilitate African agricultural imports.
He further added that this will bring more tangible benefits to the Chinese and African people.
China supports the access of more unique and high-quality African food and agricultural products to the Chinese market.pic.twitter.com/Zi477QiieQ
— Chinese Mission to UN (@Chinamission2un) August 16, 2022
Agricultural cooperation with Africa
The Chinese government attaches importance to strengthening agricultural cooperation with Africa. It actively promotes the import of agricultural products from Africa.
Chinese spokesperson also added that China is the second largest destination for African agricultural exports.
In recent years, the average growth rate of African agricultural exports to China has reached 11.4 percent. In 2021, African agricultural exports to China increased by 18.23 percent year on year.
He mentioned the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in November last 2021. China significantly announced the establishment of a “green channel” for African countries’ agricultural products entering China.
Measures to facilitate the cooperation
Spokesperson to Foreign Office said the General Administration of Customs formulated several practical measures to facilitate access for such products.
First, the applications of agricultural products from African countries for entry into China are to be considered on a priority basis.
After receiving relevant technical data, risk analysis is to be immediately started. This will also accelerate the quarantine work needed for gaining access.
Secondly, to manage the controllable risks, the risk assessments will be carried out in a combined manner, thereby speeding up the entry process.
Thirdly, China will facilitate the registration of African enterprises. Those enterprises would be those that have been approved for the import of agricultural products.
Moreover, it will adopt flexible methods such as video inspection or document review to speed up the assessment and registration process.
Lastly, he added that with the joint efforts of both sides, the trade in agricultural and food products between China and Africa will prosper and develop.
