PRESIDENT John Magufuli said yesterday that his government remains committed to working with the country’s Diaspora in making the country's development agenda successful.
He said the government has been taking
different measures, including improvement of the infrastructure aiming
at creating an enabling environment that will allow members of the
Diaspora to invest in national development.
"We recognise your role in social and economic development, but urge you to do more for the country.
We still have many opportunities for
investment alongside supporting your individual families at home," Dr
Magufuli said in a written speech read on his behalf by the Minister of
State in the Vice-President's Office (Union Affairs and Environment), Mr
January Makamba.
Mr Makamba read the speech at the
closing of the two-day Third Tanzania Diaspora Conference held at the
Zanzibar Beach Resort, saying 'Diaspora policy is in the offing.'
"You have been doing a lot sending
remittances to your home to support in education, health, business and
other social needs, but we need to have 'Diaspora policy', and these
remittances be structured," the speech said.
Dr Magufuli said remittances contribute
significantly to economical development, "but we have to move beyond by
using the Diasporas' skills, knowledge and expertise to positively
contribute to the growth of our economy."
He reiterated the government's call for
close relations with the Diaspora, citing the example of the annual
conferences, including this year’s meeting themed; "Bridging Tanzania
Tourism and Investment: a New outlook", which he said were some of
measures taken to encourage Diaspora engagement in the country's
economic growth.
President Magufuli assured the
conference that both the Union and Zanzibar governments would address
challenges facing the Tanzania Diaspora, saying ‘‘Diaspora diplomacy is
now one of the crucial areas to focus on should the country need to
speed up its development’’.
Underscoring the importance of security
and political stability in attracting investment from the Diaspora and
other international investors, the President affirmed that the country
is stable, urging them (Tanzania Diaspora) to avoid getting involved in
criminals’ acts abroad.
Prior to Dr Magufuli's speech, the
Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr Augustine
Mahiga, urged the Tanzanian Diaspora to fully understand that terrorism,
drug and human trafficking were real global threats.
"It is unfortunate that Tanzanians have
been getting involved in these criminal acts. Avoid it. Also you can
help our youth not to be recruited by investing in the country to create
more jobs and hence minimising chances for the terror groups to woo our
young people," Dr Mahiga appealed.
It is estimated that the Tanzanian
Diaspora abroad has reached one million, who if properly organised can
bring changes to their home country like it is done in such countries as
Brazil, Ethiopia and India.
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