Tanzania, Norway to bolster trade, business ties

Daily News Reporter

OSLO, Norway: TANZANIA and Norway have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations, with a focus on promoting trade and business cooperation.

The agreement was reached during President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s state visit to Norway, following an invitation from King Harald and Queen Sonja of the Kingdom of Norway.

The visit, which took place from 13-14 February 2024, included a high-level delegation consisting of five ministers, senior government officials, and members of the...

Tanzanian Business Community.

According to a press statement released by the Directorate of Presidential Communication on Thursday, the visit marked the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between Tanzania and Norway, highlighting the enduring commitment of both sides to enhance and diversify their long-term friendship and cooperation.

During the visit, President Samia and Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre pledged to enhance the longstanding bilateral relations between their countries. As part of the visit, the Tanzania-Norway Business Forum was held, organised by the Norwegian African Business Association (NABA).

Additionally, a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on food security and agriculture was signed, signifying the joint determination to strengthen Tanzania’s capacity and ability to transform the agri-food sector.

Over the past six decades, Tanzania and Norway have developed strong bonds through various areas of cooperation including renewable energy, climate, agriculture, social security, and public financial management.

The collaboration has extended to government institutions, universities, Non Government Organisations (NGOs), and private sectors of both countries. Both parties expressed a shared interest in harnessing the potential for a green energy transition and involving the private sector in energy investments.

In terms of international relations, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the multilateral system and respect for international law They also expressed concerns about the current geopolitical situation and its effects on global supply chains and commodity prices, particularly for developing countries.

Prime Minister Støre commended Tanzania’s significant contribution to peace and stability in Africa. Recognising the urgency and irreversible threat of climate change, both parties acknowledged the value of the bilateral Climate Partnership agreement signed in September 2023.

Additionally, 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of bilateral collaboration on agriculture, which has contributed to Tanzania’s national policies aimed at transforming and modernising the agricultural sector. President Samia and Prime Minister Støre expressed satisfaction with the current state of bilateral relations, while also expressing their hope that the state visit would pave the way for even closer ties between Tanzania and Norway in the future.

In her remarks at the Business Forum, President Samia acknowledged the success of Norwegian companies that have capitalised on opportunities in Tanzania’s economy.

She further emphasised Tanzania’s peaceful political climate, supported by a strong multiparty democracy based on good governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.

Regarding Tanzania’s geographical location, President Samia highlighted the strategic importance of the Port of Dar es Salaam, situated in the Indian Ocean, as an asset that serves eight neighbouring African countries.

She concluded by noting that Tanzania has sound and stable economic and financial policies, with a projected GDP growth rate of over 6 percent for the next year, aiming to surpass the levels achieved prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.