Togo is looking to expand its exports to China following Beijing’s decision to eliminate tariffs on goods from African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
The move was outlined in a joint statement issued on Thursday during Togolese President of the Council of Ministers Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé’s official visit to China, which ran from October 9 to 16.
Lomé welcomed the zero-tariff policy, describing it as a sign of China’s commitment to opening its market further to African products. Beijing also encouraged Togo to take advantage of the measures and new arrangements known as “green corridors 2.0” for agricultural exports.
The two countries signed a protocol establishing plant quarantine requirements for Togolese soybeans entering the Chinese market. They also pledged to strengthen trade and investment ties and improve existing mechanisms for economic, commercial and technical cooperation.
The statement announced plans to elevate bilateral relations to a “China-Togo community with a shared future in the new era”. Togo reaffirmed its support for the one-China principle, while China reiterated its commitment to Togo’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
Togo also expressed its intention to make the Belt and Road Initiative a strategic pillar of its Vision 2040 development plan. China, meanwhile, welcomed Togo’s participation in the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative.
