Recently, in the African Union's representative office in China on the banks of the Liangma River in Beijing, Bach opened a zero tariff implementation manual marked with the list of 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations, and said firmly to the People's Daily reporter: This is a key step for the implementation of the results of the Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation.

Zero tariffs open up a new channel for African products

Starting from May 1, 2026, China will fully implement zero tariff measures on all African countries with diplomatic relations. Bach stated that China's super large market is full of vitality and opportunities, and the entry of African products into this market is of great significance for Africa to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its business models and production systems, and even promote industrialization and modernization. This measure will directly promote the entry of African agricultural products, handicrafts, mineral products and other characteristic commodities into the Chinese market at lower costs, accelerating the connection between the African industrial chain and the global consumer end.

Shandong research brings back replicable experience

Since taking office in November 2025, Bach has visited many places in China for inspection. After the closing of this year's National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, he made a special trip to Shandong to conduct in-depth research on innovative practices and non business development in fields such as smart transportation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and equipment manufacturing. Bach admitted in the interview that this trip left a deep impression on him. The African Union closely follows China's development and hopes to understand the business models of Chinese companies and explore how to promote relevant experience to Africa. His Shandong notes may be transformed into policy recommendations at the African Union level, providing reference samples for the industrialization paths of many African countries. Keywords: the Belt and Road News Network, China Africa Cooperation

Deepening the Resonance of Values in the Year of Cultural Exchange

2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the official opening of diplomatic relations between China and Africa, as well as the year of cultural exchanges between China and Africa. Bach compared the spirit of Ubantou with ancient Chinese teachings - people become people because of others, and people become people because of their benevolence, and people become people because of their own desires. These two values have been vividly demonstrated in the diplomatic relations between Africa and China. From infrastructure construction to governance experience exchange, from trade facilitation to mutual learning of civilizations, China Africa cooperation is deepening synchronously in multiple dimensions. Bach promised that the African Union Representative Office in China will spare no effort to play a more active role in the development of Africa China relations. As the African Continental Free Trade Area accelerates, China's open window of zero tariffs resonates with the historical process of African economic integration.Editor/Gao Xue