Accra:China's Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Cong Song, has highlighted the potential benefits of China's zero-tariff policy for Ghana. He emphasized that the policy could bolster manufacturing and local processing in Ghana by enhancing the commercial viability of producing value-added goods for the Chinese market.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ambassador Cong made these remarks during his keynote address at the High-Level Ghana-China Zero-Tariff Forum 2026. The event took place on Thursday, October 15, at the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, co-hosted by the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA) and CEIBS Africa, with support from Prudential Bank Ghana Limited.
Ambassador Cong noted that the policy could stimulate investment in Africa's productive sectors by making locally processed goods more competitive in China. He stated that improved access to the Chinese market could attract capital, technology, equipment, and managerial expertise, supporting the establishment of factories and the development of stronger industrial value chains across Africa.
For Ghana, the zero-tariff policy presents opportunities to expand local processing of cocoa, cashew, shea, and other agricultural products. Textiles, handicrafts, and other locally manufactured goods could also benefit from improved market access to China. Ambassador Cong pointed out that Ghanaian cocoa previously faced tariffs ranging from eight to 22 percent when entering China, and removing these tariffs could lower market-entry costs and enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian products.
The Ambassador stressed that realizing the benefits of the policy would require concrete action, urging Ghana to identify priority products and address institutional bottlenecks. Additionally, aligning domestic production capacity with Chinese standards and market requirements was highlighted as essential.
Discussions at the Forum underscored the need for adequate export finance, certification support, reliable logistics, modern packaging, and stronger connections with credible Chinese buyers. The event emphasized that zero-tariff access should not only increase Ghana's exports of raw commodities but also serve as a platform for expanding domestic processing, creating jobs, and strengthening the country's industrial capacity.
The forum, which attracted about 200 participants from government, businesses, financial institutions, diplomatic missions, development partner organizations, academia, trade-support agencies, and the media, aimed to explore ways to enhance Ghana's economic prospects. Participants noted that Ghana's ability to mobilize investment and build competitive enterprises capable of consistently supplying the Chinese market is crucial to realizing the potential benefits of the zero-tariff policy.