By Linda Kwanjana

Malawi President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, on Saturday, hailed the Chinese government for removing taxes  on Malawi products.

Chakwera commended China during his arrival at Chileka International Airport in the Commercial City of Blantyre from Beijing,  China, where he went to attend this year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Addressing the media, the President said this is positive move towards the right direction aimed at boosting trade among the people of the two countries.

The President urged Malawians to take advantage of the development.

The move follows bilateral talks the president held  with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping.

What it means with the announcement is that Malawi has the biggest market in China, and Malawi farmers are the ones to benefit.

Accompanied by the First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera, the president was welcomed by the Malawi Vice President Dr Micheal Bizwick Usi, Senior and Deputy Cabinet
Ministers , senior party leaders, government officials, and the general public at the airport.

Generally, the president described the Beijing ,China  trip as successful.

The President said he was happy that Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced a K50Billion grant for Malawi. 

Chakwera left the country on Sunday, where he attended the fourth Summit meeting of the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which was held  from 4th and 5th September 2024.

FOCAC is an official forum between the People’s Republic of China and all states in Africa. It is the primary multi-lateral coordination mechanism between African countries and China since the year 2018.

Women clad in both UTM and Malawi Congress Party attire entertained the President with dances.

By Burnett Munthali

Malawi President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera announced a significant development on Saturday upon his return from Beijing. At a welcoming event held at Chileka International Airport in Blantyre, President Chakwera revealed that China has agreed to remove all punitive tariffs imposed on Malawian products.

The announcement comes after President Chakwera’s participation in this year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where he engaged in high-level discussions aimed at enhancing trade relations between Malawi and China. This pivotal move is expected to open new avenues for Malawian goods in the Chinese market, potentially boosting the country’s exports and fostering economic growth.

In his remarks, President Chakwera expressed his gratitude for the positive outcome of his diplomatic efforts and highlighted the importance of this decision for Malawi’s economic development. The removal of these tariffs is anticipated to provide a significant boost to Malawian businesses by improving their competitiveness and access to the expansive Chinese market.

The President’s announcement was met with enthusiasm as it promises to alleviate some of the trade barriers that have previously hindered Malawian exports. With this development, Malawi is poised to strengthen its economic ties with China and explore new opportunities for growth and trade.