Benin’s Place in China’s Dry Pepper Trade: A Key Discussion at the ‍Sino-African Forum

Benin, alongside Nigeria and Rwanda,‌ is one of China’s partner countries in the​ export of dried peppers. As the Sino-African Forum approaches, delegates must emphasize Benin’s ​position in the⁤ dry⁣ pepper trade.

Dried chili pepper is a popular agricultural product exported from Africa to China. The upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, expected to be attended ⁣by 54 African⁣ countries, will further highlight the agricultural relations between⁤ the two parties. ⁢According to Nihad Sani, an expert in customer needs feedback and China-Africa trade,⁢ “The total amount released by‌ China over the‌ last three years is $510 million to⁢ source‍ dried chili peppers from Africa.”

Rwanda was the⁣ first African country to enter the Chinese market in‌ the category of dry chili products. Nihad Sani notes, “This‌ dry pepper sector shows in more than one way ⁢that agricultural cooperation between Africa and China is tangible.” Chinese companies ⁢like Nongyi (Qingdao) ⁣Trading Co.Ltd. and Nongyi Chuangxin (Tianjin) Food Co. Ltd have positioned themselves in this sector and signed commercial ⁢agreements for dry chili peppers.

Tijani Ali, an expert in offers and loyalty of agricultural products between Africa and China, explains,⁢ “Rwandan ‍businessmen were able to respond best to the demands of the⁢ Chinese side, allowing them to sign agreements ⁢on the import of dry ​peppers.” In addition to dry pepper,⁤ this cooperation also includes the ⁣import of other African agricultural products, such as sesame and ⁢groundnuts.

However, the⁤ Chinese market ⁢has specific requirements that Africans must meet to become high-quality‌ specialist producers and enter the market more⁣ easily. Imoru Yacubu, an⁣ expert in managing commercial operations between‌ China and Nigeria, notes that​ import declaration is⁤ one of these requirements. To address this challenge, China launched the “African Export Growth ‍Partnership Project” in September 2021.

Sino-African cooperation also aims to promote the​ reduction⁢ of trading system ⁣costs and the ⁣development of‌ new ‍models⁣ of Sino-African trade. The mutual recognition of authorized economic operators ⁣(AEO) signed by Chinese ⁣and African customs has improved the efficiency of goods clearance between China and some African countries, reducing trade costs and strengthening international competitiveness.

China-Africa⁣ agricultural cooperation has launched a series of new business models ⁣that adapt to sustainable development. ‌As the Sino-African Forum approaches, it is essential for Benin to emphasize its position in the dry pepper trade and ⁣explore opportunities for cooperation with​ China.