China welcomes greater market access for African products

China welcomes the entry of more high-quality and distinctive African products into its market, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Friday, after customs authorities announced expanded access for coffee bean imports from African countries.

Starting July 20, China will allow eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with it to enter the Chinese market, according to the General Administration of Customs.

Coffee beans will become another African agricultural product to obtain full quarantine access to China across all African countries having diplomatic relations with it.

Responding to a question at a regular news conference, Mao said China's implementation of zero-tariff treatment for the 53 African countries has opened a new window of opportunity for expanding African exports to China.

The policy reflects China's approach to Africa based on sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, as well as its commitment to pursuing the greater good and shared interests, she said.

China will continue to build on the zero-tariff policy by upgrading the "green channel" and further expanding market access for African products, so that the benefits of the policy can be shared more widely by the peoples of both China and Africa, Mao added.