By Wallace Mawire,Zimbabwe,Harare,
China has granted preferential access to a wide range of products from African
countries, including Zimbabwe, by eliminating tariffs on thousands of export items.
Walter Chanaka, Managing Director of the China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre my name is Walter Chanaka said it means that Zimbabwean goods whether agricultural products, minerals, manufactured
items, or value-added commodities can now enter the Chinese market duty-free.
Chanaka said this is not just a policybut an open door to the world’s second-largest economy.
‘l am pleased to introduce a game changing initiative, the China Zero Tariff Policy. Under this
policy, It is my distinct honor to come before you today as the Managing Director of the China
Zimbabwe Exchange Centre,’ Chanaka said.
He said their centre was established to serve as a strategic bridge between the people, businesses and governments of China and Zimbabwe.
He added that for years, they have worked tirelessly to facilitate trade, investment and cultural
exchange, ensuring that Zimbabwean enterprises can access the vast opportunities that the
Chinese economy offers.
In that repect, Chanaka today announced that the China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre is set to host a dedicated China Zero TariE Policy Conference on the 30th of April,2026 in Harare,Zimbabwe at the Celebration Centre in Jubilee Hall, from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
Chanaka said the event is open to the public and to all businesses who wish to export their
products to China.
‘Whether you are a small-scale farmer, a processor, a manufacturer or a
trader, this conference is for you,’ Chanaka said.
Explaining why is it so important for businesses and individuals to attend, Chanaka said understanding
policy is the first step to profit.
He said many Zimbabwean producers are unaware of how to meet
Chinese standards, complete export documentation, connect with buyers, or to leverage zero
tariff export benefits.
He said the workshop will simplify the entire process.
‘ We will have experts, trade facilitators and successful exporters sharing practical, step-by-step guidance,’ Chanaka said.
He said the conference is being co-organized by the Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe
In collaboration with the China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre and supported by
the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe.
Chanaka said that they have also extended invitations to Ministers, government officials , policymakers and key business leaders.
He said their presence underscores the national importance of the initiative.
‘This is your chance to engage directly with decision-makers and ask the tough questions about trade logistics, quality control and market access,’ Chanaka said.
He added that this is not a closed- door diplomatic meeting but a people’s economic opportunity.
He added that every Zimbabwean with an export-worthy product s hould know that the 30th of April is a date to mark on their calendar.
Isheunesu Chibvunza, China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre Assistant to Director said the Zero Tariff Policy coming into effect on May 1, 2026, represents a historic open-door invitation from China.
He said a s China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre, together with Chamber of
Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe, they are committed to ensuring that the opportunity does not
remain a headline, but becomes a reality for the local entrepreneur, the commercial farmer and
the young innovator.
‘Help us explain that the “100% tariff-line” exemption is a game-changer for our value-added products, from processed macadamia nuts to leather goods, minerals and various local products.Let this conference be the spark that ignites a new wave of Zimbabwean exports.’ Chibvunza said .
He added that they look forward to seeing the “Made in Zimbabwe” l abel on more shelves across China, fueled by the longstanding friendship and cooperation between China and Zimbabwe
Steve Ke Zhao, CEO of the China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre said they are expecting to collaborate with a number of big companies under under the chamber.
Zhao said works on strengthening business relations between China and Zimbabwe.
He said that some of the areas of focus will be on educational opportunities,youth development including the culture and arts sector.
Zhao said there is an opportunity for exports from Africa to grow through the initiative.
He said there a big market for products from Africa to serve the at least 1,4 Billion people in China.
He added that the 53 African countries in the continent stand to benefit from duty free exports into the China market.
He said they are lots of products in demand in China from Africa like rice, mealie-meal, tobacco products, coffee, chillies, curios, flowers and horticulture products from Africa.
The centre is also inviting business associations and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe to take advantage of the new tariff policy and to attend the conference to learn more on the initiative.
