China and Lesotho are set to strengthen trade exchanges, fully implement the zero-tariff policy and sign an agreement on wool and mohair exports to China.
This Chinese Ambassador Mr. Yang Xiaokun highlighted when responding to questions during media briefing on Monday outlining specific areas of cooperation he sees as most promising for strengthening economic and social development in Lesotho China prepares and implements the 15th Five-year plan.
He said the high-quality wool and mohair products from Lesotho will be introduced into the Chinese market to support the development of related industries of Lesotho, helping increase employment in Lesotho and ensuring that the zero-tariff policy delivers tangible benefits to the people of both countries.
He stated that China remains firmly committed to its policy of opening up, taking a long-term perspective and emphasizing win-win cooperation.
He highlighted that in 2025, despite mounting pressures, China’s foreign trade forged ahead, with the total value of goods imports and exports reaching a new historic high of over 45 trillion yuan (M111 trillion), representing a growth of 3.8%. “China has maintained its position as the world’s largest trader in goods for nine consecutive years. China has signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions, and has granted zero-tariff treatment to all least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations”.
Commenting on what specific cooperation will China and Lesotho undertake regarding the activities of the Year of People-to-People Exchanges, Ambassador Yang said at the bilateral level, China and Lesotho will advance a series of concrete and visible initiatives.
He cited that in education, more Basotho students will be supported to study in China through government scholarships and training programs saying in healthcare, the Chinese medical team in Lesotho will continue to provide services and organize outreach activities.
He also cited that in the cultural field, they will host cultural festivals and art exchanges to enhance mutual understanding. While in media and youth exchanges, they will facilitate visits, joint reporting and dialogue programs to encourage more direct and authentic interactions between their people.
On the other hand, he indicated that not long ago, the Embassy launched ceremony of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges saying going forward, they will continue to promote more accessible and community-based activities, so that the benefits of China–Lesotho cooperation can be felt more directly by the people.
“We believe that through these concrete efforts, the friendship between our two countries will continue to take deeper root among our people and be passed on from generation to generation”, he said.
Meanwhile the Chinese-Lesotho relations can use both international and domestic markets to facilitate cultural exchange and integration, trust between the two countries and ultimately boosting capital inflows.
Lesotho’s wool and mohair sector is strengthening through international partnerships, with the 2025 IWTO Round Table held in Maseru, highlighting a 16-year partnership with growers. The industry, supporting 45,000 families, saw strong 2025/26 season starts, with mohair prices rising to R233.79/kg. Key initiatives focus on improving herd genetics, enhancing shearing shed infrastructure, and achieving international certification for market access.
Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]
