China to grant zero-tariff treatment to 10 least-developed countries

China will grant zero-tariff treatment to 98 per cent of taxable items from 10 least-developed countries in a bid to promote an open global economy.

Starting from December 1, China will waive all tariffs on 98 per cent of the related imports from Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Malawi, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, according to the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council,  China News Service reported on November 10.

The step is conducive to opening up with win-win outcomes, building an open global economy, and helping least-developed countries to accelerate their development, the commission said.

This policy measure will gradually expand to all the least-developed countries that have established diplomatic ties with China, it added.