MBABANE:China will grant fifty-three(53) African countries zero-tariff treatment but, eSwatini will not benefit from this major economic benefit for maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a Chinese Province.
Zero-tariff treatment means a country or customs union, removes all import duties on goods imported from another country or region and this, effectively creates free trade in those particular goods between the two entities thus promoting economic growth and potentially boosting export revenue for the benefiting country.
Business Insider reported on Wednesday that, the measure aims to deepen China’s economic cooperation and strengthen its partnership in trade and investment with Africa.
“China’s initiative aligns with its strategy to bolster imports from Africa amid its own economic slowdown”, Business Insider reported.
On another note, emaSwati are struggling to travel to China for business amid visa restrictions and this, comes after the Kingdom opted to undermine the United Nations(UN) Resolution 2758 that recognized the One China Principle, in terms of the UN Resolution, Taiwan is regarded as a Chinese Province.
King Mswati shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping.