Chinese VP expected to visit Tanzania for six days

By Waryoba Yankami

Chinese Vice President, Li Yuanchao

Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao expects to visit Tanzania for six days to strengthen the long standing cooperation between the two countries in economic, political and social relations areas.

The visit, which will begin tomorrow, marks the 50 years anniversary of cooperation between the two countries that began in 1964.


Making the announcement earlier this week in Dar es Salaam, the Tanzania Ambassador to China, retired Tanzania People`s Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt Gen Abdulrahman Shimbo said the coming of the Chinese Vice President was pioneered by the coming of President Xi Jinping in March 2013 when 17 contracts were signed.

Ambassador Shimbo told journalists that during the visit, Yuanchao will meet President Dr Jakaya Kikwete, his host, Vice President Dr Mohamed Gharib Bilal and Prime Minister Mizengo Peter Pinda among other dignitaries.

After arriving on June 21 through the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), Yuanchao will visit Ngorongoro Crater the following day.

That afternoon he will fly to Dar es Salaam where he will meet his hosts.

Ambassador Shimbo said on June 25 Yuanchao will visit Zanzibar where he will have official talks with Second Vice President Ambassador Seif Idi and then on June 26 he will return to Dar es Salaam before his flight back to China.
“During the Vice President’s visit, we will celebrate the 50 years relationship between our two countries,” the diplomat said.

China is the largest trade partner of Tanzania and the second largest foreign investor in the country. According to the ambassador, there are nearly 500 Chinese companies in the country which have created about 150 000 jobs for local people.

He said the six-day visit by Vice President Li Yuanchao will be an occasion for both countries to learn from each other’s experiences.

“Tanzania has made a great achievement in developing social stability and the national economy. China has also made similar achievements,” he said.

The ambassador said the Chinese vice president will encourage Chinese investors and companies to explore opportunities between the two countries.

The Chinese vice president will visit various families in Tanzania to learn how they live. He will also attend a function to lay the foundation stone for the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation Square, a 29-storey building in which China has invested.  

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN