KATHMANDU, Nov 26: China has announced a zero-tariff to 97 percent of commodities from Nepal on Thursday.
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According to Chinese news reports, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council of China has announced the zero-tariff treatment to Nepal and other seven listed African countries starting from December 10. The decision means that China will not levy any tax on 97 percent of Nepali commodities exported to China making Nepali commodities competitive and cheaper in the Chinese market. Silver jewelries, handicrafts and flour are among the major commodities that are exported to China.
China earlier had made decisions to give zero-tariff facility on 8,030 commodities and products. Nepal had been demanding tax waiver on different products with China since long. The other seven African to get the facility includes Comoros, The Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Togo, Liberia, Rwanda, Angola and Zambia. According to Chinese news reports, this announcement is regarded as the prelude of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from December 2 to 5 being attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
