Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Chen Mingjian speaks during celebration marking 60 years of bilateral relations between Tanzania and China in Dar es Salaam on April 15, 2024. PHOTO | COURTESY
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Dar es Salaam. The People’s Republic of China has unveiled a plan to safeguard and enhance its role as Tanzania’s foremost trading partner and primary source of investment for the next six decades.
This was revealed by the Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Chen Mingjian, during a crucial celebration marking 60 years of bilateral relations between Tanzania and China in Dar es Salaam on April 15, 2024.With a rich history of economic collaboration, China has consistently held the position of Tanzania's largest trading partner and investor, contributing significantly to the growth and development of the East African country.
Reflecting on this enduring partnership, Ambassador Chen emphasised the importance of the longstanding friendship between the two nations, underscoring the recent years’ commitment of both President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Xi Jinping to deepen and expand bilateral ties.
“Our bilateral history, spanning six decades, has laid a solid foundation for future cooperation,” stated Ambassador Chen during the anniversary reception.
“With the solid support of our two presidents and the dedication of our peoples, we are determined to maintain and strengthen our position as Tanzania’s leading economic partner for the next six decades.”
By October 2022, China had undertaken over 1,098 investment projects valued at $9.6 billion, creating over 131,000 jobs in the process. These projects, according to experts, have not only contributed to Tanzania's economic growth but have also fostered mutual benefit and shared prosperity between the two nations.
“Our cooperation has yielded fruitful results, benefiting both countries and promoting economic development,” remarked Ambassador Chen. “We are committed to further enhancing our economic partnership and exploring new avenues for collaboration in key sectors such as infrastructure, trade, and technology.”
The anniversary reception, attended by Tanzania’s Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister, January Makamba, served as a platform to reaffirm the mutual respect and friendship between China and Tanzania.
Mr Makamba expressed Tanzania’s gratitude for the longstanding support and solidarity extended by the Chinese government and people.
“Our friendship with China is based on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to common goals,” stated Minister Makamba.
“As we commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations, we look forward to deepening our cooperation and strengthening the bonds of friendship between our two nations.”
Looking ahead, both China and Tanzania are poised to capitalise on their shared vision for the future, leveraging opportunities for collaboration in regional and global forums.
Mr Makamba affirmed Tanzania’s commitment to supporting initiatives such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI), and the Global Development Initiatives (GDI), aimed at promoting sustainable development and prosperity.
“As we embark on the next phase of our partnership, we are confident that with President Xi Jinping’s principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, our relationship will continue to flourish,” he added.
According to a diplomatic analyst, Dr Moses Taabu, the relationship between the two countries has been at the forefront of China-Africa cooperation.
“In the 1960s and 1970s, when China was still in poverty, it tightened its belt and helped African brothers build the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (Tazara), which effectively promoted the independence of the people of Southern Africa and forged monuments of China-Tanzania and China-Africa friendship.”
As both nations embark on the journey towards the next 60 years, he said, the commitment to mutual respect, cooperation, and economic prosperity remained firm, laying the groundwork for more future opportunities for both countries’ citizens.
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