By Lake Zone Watch writer
Tanzania and China have agreed to deepen cooperation between them for shared benefits in the fields of political, economic and cultural transformation.
This follows a meeting held in Dar es Salaam yesterday between Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa and the Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Liu Guozhong who started a three-day official visit to Tanzania on Monday.
The Sino-Tanzania relations go back to the early 1960s during the regimes of founder President Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and China’s revered leader, Chairman Mao Zedong.
Discussions of Sino-Tanzania relations between Prime Minister Majaliwa and his Chinese guest centred on economic activities, business, investment and infrastructure development, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office in Dar es Salaam yesterday.
China, which remains committed to openness and cooperation, is implementing several key infrastructural development projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway, roads, airports and improvement of electricity supply.
“Our discussions today touched on economic issues and Tanzania’s resolve to revitalize its economy through strengthening business and attracting investments,” Prime Minister Majalwa said.
He said in today’s world where economic globalization has become an irreversible trend, no country can develop itself by keeping its doors closed.
He said from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the populous Asian nation is committed to developing Tanzania’s health, education, infrastructure and energy sectors of which the government has presented eight projects for consideration.
In the health sector, China has already funded improvement of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute to enable it deliver better services.
On his part, the Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Liu Guozhong promised strengthening of the agricultural sector by bringing together ministers of the two countries to map out areas of cooperation.
Clinging to its path of development, China welcomes cooperation with every other region, country, or company that wants to do so.