Putin exempts 32 African countries from customs duties
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on La Nouvelle Tribune
Vladimir Putin has announced the complete removal of Eurasian Economic Union customs duties on certain products exported by 32 African countries, out of 47 beneficiaries of tariff preferences. The Russian president presented the scheme during a meeting with representatives of African regional organisations, La Nouvelle Tribune reports.
Vladimir Putin has announced that 32 African countries will benefit from the complete removal of customs duties on goods imported into the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), according to a statement by the Russian president during a meeting with representatives of African regional organisations. The tariff preference scheme concerns a total of 47 countries on the continent.
Russia wants to use the EAEU, which includes Russia and several neighbouring states, to create common markets for goods, services, capital and labour. Vladimir Putin presented this integration as a model comparable to African regional initiatives.
The announcement comes as Moscow seeks to expand its economic ties with Africa in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, training and military equipment. It is part of a series of exchanges held at the Russia-Africa summit, following the discussions between Obiang and Putin on 28 October and the Russian president’s statements on a partnership based on autonomy on 29 October.