Prof Bokpin outlines how Ghana can maximise gains from China's zero-tariff policy

Economist and Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School, Godfred Bokpin, has welcomed China’s announcement of a zero-tariff policy for African exports but cautioned that Ghana must significantly improve its export competitiveness to realise the policy’s true benefits.

Speaking on the Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, October 19, 2025, following President John Dramani Mahama’s recent bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Prof Bokpin stated that the policy’s impact would depend entirely on Ghana's capacity to capitalise on the opportunity.

"Ordinarily, one could say this is good news. Whatever way you look at it, you can say good news,” Prof Bokpin noted.

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“But whatever advantages or other benefits we talk about now, they could be more theoretical, hypothetical,” he added.

He emphasised that bridging the gap between potential and actual benefits requires significant effort from local businesses.

"Translating the intended objective, benefits into actual will depend more on the hard work that has to be done by our exporters,” he stated.

China’s zero-tariff policy, which eliminates tariffs on selected goods exported from Africa, was a key topic during President Mahama’s visit to Beijing for the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women.

President Xi Jinping expressed hope that Ghana would soon benefit from the policy, which is part of China's commitment to deepening cooperation and boosting trade with African nations.

However, Prof Bokpin warned that trade preferences alone are insufficient.

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He insisted that Ghana must concentrate on building a durable competitive advantage in its export sector.

“When we talk about our exporters, we are talking about competitive advantage that we have also created to enable our exporters to be able to take advantage of such zero tariffs,” he stated.

MRA/VPO