China’s Zero-Tariff Deal for Ghana’s Exports Set for Implementation

The outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Tong Defa, has revealed that China’s zero-tariff arrangement for Ghanaian exports will soon be operationalized.

This will mark a new phase in trade relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Tong made the disclosure on Tuesday during a farewell audience with President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency, where the two leaders reflected on achievements in bilateral cooperation and charted a path for future engagement.

The zero-tariff arrangement is expected to boost Ghana’s export competitiveness in the Chinese market by eliminating tariff barriers on selected Ghanaian products, potentially increasing trade volumes and foreign exchange earnings.

During the meeting, President Mahama sought enhanced cooperation with China in anti-terrorism efforts, including logistics support, training, and border surveillance systems to prevent extremist infiltration.

“We want to see a greater cooperation with China in terms of logistics, in terms of training to move on anti-terrorism, in terms of building surveillance of our borders to make sure that we don’t have any infiltration of these areas,” the President stated.

President Mahama also proposed establishing a payment and settlement system between Ghana and China to facilitate smoother trade transactions and reduce reliance on third-party currencies.

The President acknowledged China’s role in Ghana’s debt restructuring process and thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for his country’s development support, including a $30 million grant for the Aflao Market Project and another $30 million allocated for constructing a new Science and Technology University in Damango.

“You have not just been an ambassador or diplomat, you have been a friend, and I’m sad to see you go. Of course, our relations with China are excellent,” President Mahama remarked, praising Ambassador Tong for strengthening bilateral ties during his tenure.

Ambassador Tong congratulated President Mahama on successes achieved in the first year of his second term, particularly in transforming Ghana’s economy from a debt-distressed state to one showing signs of recovery.

The outgoing envoy called for strengthening cooperation between the two countries in industry, trade, mining, and science and technology, expressing confidence that bilateral relations will continue to grow.

Ambassador Tong appealed to President Mahama for Ghana’s support for China’s bid to host the Secretariat of the new United Nations treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, a global agreement addressing marine resources in international waters.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD