China to cut import taxes on Pakistani goods

China will lower import taxes on 3,975 categories of goods from Pakistan, by 11 percent to an average tax rate of 8 percent, effective on July 1, its Finance Ministry said on Tuesday, in an attempt to promote mutual trade.
China will also exempt imports from 26 "under-developed" African countries from tariffs, the statement said. The regulation, approved by the State Council, or the cabinet, will exempt 256 items China imported from the 26 countries effective on July 1.
The move would "further enlarge China's imports from African countries, and promote the better development of mutual trade," the ministry said. It did not name the 26 countries or the items. China similarly lowered tariffs on a broad range of imports from 29 African countries effective from January 1, 2005.
China is broadening trade ties with Africa, an important source of minerals, crude oil, cotton and other natural resources, and has offered its African allies a variety of investments and financial packages.