Urafiki Textile Mill poised for revival

JAFFAR MJASIRI

THE Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Industries and Trade, Dr Adelhelm Meru, has welcomed China to participate in the revitalisation of factories in the country. He says that the Chinese are instrumental in fostering the country’s economy.

The PS was speaking during the 50th anniversary Exhibition of ‘Urafiki’ Friendship Textile Mill (FTM) and 20th anniversary of Tanzania-China Friendship Textile Company (FTC), held over the weekend in Dar es Salaam.

The anniversary was also attended by China’s Party Secretary of Changzhou Municipal Committee, Mr Yan Li. Dr Meru welcomed the Changzhou initiative to visit the textile company as the country is now entering a new phase of industrialisation under the fifth phase government. "Let me say that the revitalisation of factories like FTC are very instrumental towards fostering the country's economic development.

The upshot is achieving total industrialisation, which Tanzania desires," said the PS. He further said that despite the FTC facing many challenges, Tanzanian government is quite certain that the two countries will do all they can to ensure that Urafiki remains strong.

"We as a government will ensure that Urafiki will always survive," he stressed. He called upon the injection of funds to ensure that the factory has a reliable working capital.

"We hope that the presence of the Party Secretary here at the anniversary will assist in ensuring that the factory can raise some funds to be able to move forward strongly," he said.

On his part, Mr Yan Li, who is in the country to further strengthen the existing bilateral cooperation between Tanzania and China, pledged to rigorously implement her country's policies for Africa.

Mr Li, who also spoke during the 50th anniversary Exhibition of ‘Urafiki’ Friendship Textile Mill (FTM) and the 20th anniversary of Tanzania-China Friendship Textile Company (FTC), said that the two are the vivid embodiment of older-generation Chinese leaders' care and support to Tanzania and the fruit of cooperation between the two governments and their people.

Tanzania-China Friendship Textile Company evolves from the two countries' Friendship Textile factory, a China-sponsored project in Tanzania. It is a joint venture company between Changzhou State owned Textile Assets Operation Company of China and the government of the United Republic of Tanzania.

“This project has far-reaching political, diplomatic and economic significance against the backdrop of booming bilateral ties between China and Tanzania. “It is very meaningful to review the history of China sponsored Tanzania-China friendship textile project and to recall great contributions our older generation leaders made to Sino- Africa relations,” said the Party Secretary.

“We will rigorously carry out China’s policies for Africa, show our sincerity and integrity, enhance our mutual understanding and cooperation,” he stressed. He also commended the textile craftsmen from Changzhou for 20 years of dedicated service to both nations despite the odds.

“For the past 20 years, you have fought against immense pressure, overcome unimaginable hardships and persisted against all odds.” “On the other hand, you have also helped develop Tanzania, develop its textile industry and improve employment and living conditions for Tanzanians.

“Textile experts are regarded as role models of the friendship and cooperation between China and Tanzania,” the Secretary said. In 2010, Changzhou and Dar es Salaam established a sistercity relationship, with Tanzania- China Friendship Textile Co. Limited as a bridge between them.

The secretary also said that the visit with his delegation is meant to boost political, economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two cities. “Today we are here to conduct exchanges and deepen friendship. And I believe that through our efforts, we are sure to renew and further our cooperation,” he said.

In another development, the Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, Mr Gou Haodong, reminded Tanzanians at the anniversary that Urafiki factory is a biological child of the two great nations; Tanzania and China.

He said that TAZARA and Urafiki were both great monuments but the latter was born earlier than the former. “Therefore, we cannot let this treasure just fade away. Urafiki must be revived and revitalised,” he stressed.

The envoy further said that: “We have every reason to say that we are much better today in terms of technology and capital investments. But what we need is strong commitment.