Work together PM urges local govts, private sector

By James Kandoya

Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda opens meeting on cooperation between local government authorities in Tanzania and China. It was held in Dsm yesterday with NMB Bank support. (Photo: Selemani Mpochi)

Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda has urged local authorities to collaborate with the private sector in allocating investments areas in their localities to ensure that economic development is reflected at local levels.

He said investments at local government levels can lead to better financial status for individuals dispelling the notion that investments are only at central government levels.

He cited the example of China where local authorities can plan, raise sources of revenue and spend it with minimal government intervention.

The Premier, who recently visited China, said local authorities there depend less on the central government in matters of human and financial sources.

He said they have their own investments at local government levels – something that Tanzania local government authorities need to learn and emulate from their counterparts.

Premier Pinda made the remarks in Dar es Salaam yesterday when opening the forum for Tanzania-China local governments that included governors, mayors, regional and district commissioners as well as members from the private sector.

Chinese local government authorities are in the country sharing their experience and knowledge on investments, especially by collaborating with the private sector.
Pinda said the forum is a milestone and good opportunity for local government in Tanzania.

According to him, Tanzania is ready to work with Chinese local government and private sectors to safeguard and develop bilateral relations.

They will do this by actively developing cooperation for the benefit of all countries.

“Let us aspire for the betterment and mutual cooperation of our countries to strengthen local government economic capacity for the benefits of our people. We must work together and combine our efforts to realize our intended goals and dreams,” Pinda said.

The aim of the forum is to develop trade opportunities for the mutual benefit of business communities of the two countries.

For her part, Minister of State Prime Minister office, Regional administration and local government, Hawa Ghasia, said local governments in the country have a lot to learn from the visit of officials from Chinese local government authorities.

She said they have already established themselves in investments and getting their own sources of income.

She said it is now time for the two local government authorities to formulate sustainable cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
She said her ministry will ensure that the agreed terms are implemented for the benefit of all parties.

She noted that the cooperation aims at ensuring that Africa’s economic development is on course through a private sector-led approach that is facilitated through local governments in partnership with their Chinese counterparts. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN