At Communist Party 105th anniversary: Chinese Ambassador hails Sino-Cameroon ties, outlines trade opportunities.

It was to mark the 105th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Communist Party of China, CPC.

Speaking through a translator, H.E. Xu Yong outlined China's development priorities, its approach to global governance and the growing cooperation between China and Cameroon. 

He also mentioned measures aimed at increasing African exports to China. He encouraged greater economic collaboration between the two countries. 

The Ambassador disclosed that China launched its 15th Five-Year Plan in 2026. He said the country's economy has maintained positive momentum, despite global uncertainties. 

He noted that innovation continues to play a central role in China's development strategy, with advances in Artificial Intelligence, AI; quantum information; integrated circuits and other emerging technologies. 

The Ambassador furthered that China remains committed to opening its economy and expanding cooperation with countries around the world, including African nations.

 “China remains more determined than ever to open up further. In pursuing our development, we do not seek to advance faster by doing it alone. The cooperation we promote with all countries is intended to be win-win; so that we can progress together over the long term,” Ambassador Xu Yong said. 

He added that scientific and technological innovation has been achieved through sustained investment, practical application and the development of a favourable innovation ecosystem.

Cameroon-China relations growing

Responding to questions on bilateral relations, H.E. Xu Yong said ties between China and Cameroon entered a new phase since both countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024. He noted that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The Ambassador also said cooperation has continued to deepen across several sectors and pointed to China's support for Cameroon in hosting the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation, WTO.

He mentioned the delivery of emergency grain assistance, worth 20 million Yuan (approximately 1.7 billion FCFA), provided by the Chinese government to  Cameroon.  

“A traditional and profound friendship links the Chinese and Cameroonian peoples. The facts prove that the deepening of this cooperation is fully in line with the currents of history and responds to the fundamental interests of our two peoples,” he said.

H.E. Xu Yong also noted that China remains Cameroon's leading trading partner and expressed hope that Cameroonian exporters would take advantage of new opportunities created by China's market-opening measures.

The Ambassador added that 2026 has been designated the Year of China-Africa People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges. He said Chinese-run initiatives such as the Chinese Bridge competition and the Voice of Cameroon song contest have drawn strong interest from Cameroonian youth and educational institutions.

He also referred to the work of the 25th Chinese medical team in Cameroon, which has carried out free consultations, health check-ups and hygiene awareness sessions in several localities around Yaounde, including Ngomedzap, Mbankomo and Essazok, alongside its regular hospital duties.

       Zero-tariff policy 

A major focus of the briefing was China's decision to grant zero-tariff treatment to products originating from African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing. The policy, he said, took effect on May 1, 2026. 

He said the measure would help African countries expand exports, attract investment and strengthen industrial development. 

He added that several Cameroonian agricultural products already have sanitary and phytosanitary access to the Chinese market. 

“The zero-tariff measure is not simply an isolated customs reduction. It works in deep synergy with practical cooperation measures, under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. It will create broader opportunities for Africa's industrialisation and the high-quality development of China-Africa relations,” H.E. Xu Yong stated. 

Looking ahead, the Ambassador invited Cameroonian exporters to take part in the China International Import Expo, CIIE, to be held in Shanghai, from November 5 to 10, 2026. 

He disclosed that Cameroon has participated in the trade exhibition for four consecutive years and encouraged businesses to register through Cameroon's Ministry of Commerce or via the expo's online platform.

Global governance agenda

During the briefing, H.E. Xu Yong also presented China's views on global governance, multilateral cooperation. He equally detailed initiatives proposed by Chinese President, Xi Jinping, covering development, security, civilisation and governance. 

The Ambassador assured that China is prepared to work with countries around the world to address global challenges, promote development and support a more equitable international system. 

“China is ready to work with all parties to properly implement the global governance initiative, firmly defend the central role of the United Nations, UN; fully leverage the key role of the Global South; strive to bridge the gaps and deficits in global governance; and make untiring efforts to promote the construction of a more just and equitable global governance system,” H.E Xu Yong underscored.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3846 of Monday July 13, 2026