China to offer ‘tariff-free trade to Afghanistan’

The Taliban’s acting commerce minister in China announced that China will grant Afghanistan tariff-free access to its consumer, energy, and construction sectors. This move comes as China aims to strengthen its relations with the Taliban, despite not formally recognizing their government due to concerns about human rights. Afghanistan’s mineral resources could benefit China’s supply chain security, while also helping the Taliban boost their economy. Afghanistan aims to diversify its economy and attract foreign investors to profit from its mineral wealth. Chinese companies, including Metallurgical Corp of China Ltd, are already operating in Afghanistan. China’s president announced a policy of no import duties for goods from least developed countries, including those with diplomatic relations with China. Afghanistan has expressed interest in joining China’s Belt and Road initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.