African Union rep praises China's zero-tariff stance

The African Union's permanent representative to China has said China's zero-tariff approach to Africa is "extremely important" as it offers the continent access to one of the world's most lucrative markets.

Alhaji Mohamed Sarjoh Bah was speaking at the 7th Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation in Beijing on Thursday.

"The Chinese market is a very vibrant market. It is a very diverse market. It is a very dynamic market. And it's a market that everybody wants to access," Bah said.

"We welcome this opportunity, and we are going to take full advantage of it."

China has adopted a zero-tariff stance for all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations since the beginning of May, making it easier for African products to enter the Chinese market.