Mugabe to officiate Africa-China youth business conference today

 

Chinese embassy’s Political counsellor Li Xuhang briefs journalists in Arusha yesterday about the 3rd African and Chinese youth conference on investment. Middle is deputy minister in the Vice-President’s Office (Union Affairs), Mr Stephen Masele. PHOTO | FILBERT RWEYEMAMU 

By The Citizen Reporters

Arusha. President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, the Chairman of the African Union (AU), will today officiate at a four-day Business Conference of youth from 43 African countries and China.

The chairman of the conference, Mr Stephen Masele, who doubles as minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union Affairs), said high on the agenda of the forum was China’s intention to see the continent exporting value-added goods to the world’s second economy and elsewhere.

President Jakaya Kikwete and a high-level delegation led by the CCP Vice Chairman are expected to attend the conference oganised by Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) youth wing -- UVCCM -- in collaboration with their counterparts from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Mr Masele said besides networking the youth from the two sides, the conference aimed at identifying business opportunities, particularly pertaining to investments.

China believes increased investments and productivity in mining, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and construction would create more jobs in Africa.

The conference will attract 400 participants including 150 from China, 150 from Tanzania, and the remainder from 43 other African countries who will, among other things, compare notes on business and leadership aspects.

Mr Masele said this would be the third conference to be held in the country, but unlike the two previous political ones, this would purely hinge on business and investment issues.  Zanzibar President Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, will officiate at the closing ceremony of the conference at which different papers will be presented including one on minerals and energy by former minister Prof Sospeter Muhongo.

The deputy minister said also to be presented during the conference would be a paper on investment by Mr Nehemia Mchechu, the National Housing Corporation director general.

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Political counsellor Li Xuhang was optimistic that the conference would go a long way in cementing bilateral ties between Tanzania and China.