Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – China has officially confirmed that all imports from Afghanistan will receive 100% duty-free access, a move expected to significantly boost bilateral trade, according to state media reports on Friday.
In a statement, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian noted the initiative aims to “promote bilateral trade cooperation and achieve mutual benefits.” The announcement follows a meeting on Thursday between China’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Zhao Xing, and Afghanistan’s interim Deputy Prime Minister, Maulavi Mohammed Abdul Kabir. Zhao shared that China will provide “zero-tariff treatment for 100% tariff lines” on Afghan imports.
The talks focused on deepening cooperation, with Afghanistan’s export volumes to China already up by 11.5% this year. Afghan authorities anticipate the elimination of taxes on their exports to China by December, enhancing market access further.
During the meeting, Zhao also revealed plans for a new economic passageway connecting Afghanistan to China through Tajikistan. Preparations are underway for a trilateral discussion, with efforts to activate the Wakhan Corridor—a narrow strip in Badakhshan province linking Afghanistan and China.
In a significant step last year, Afghanistan announced its entry into China’s Belt and Road Initiative via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), hoping to stimulate growth across trade, energy, and infrastructure.
Despite lacking formal recognition of the Taliban-led administration, China accepted Afghan Ambassador Mawlawi Asadullah Bilal Karimi’s credentials earlier this year, hinting at an evolving relationship between the two nations
