Timing is good

CHINESE Minister for Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, is in the country for a one-day working visit. Wang’s visit is a very welcome one as it strengthens diplomatic relations between China and Tanzania that spans over two decades today much as it is vital in setting a good environment for social and economic development between them.

Secondly, Wang’s visit is crucial in stimulating the government’s efforts towards building an industrial driven-economy, hence enabling the Fifth Phase Government to achieve its desired goals.

His meeting with his host, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Co-operation, Dr Augustine Mahiga, opens a new chapter for China’s plan to assist Tanzania in developing industries. It is also through this visit Tanzania investment opportunities will be exposed to investors from China. Moreover, the high-profile visit must serve as a platform for exposing Tanzania traders to their counterparts from China and other countries

It is a good opportunity for the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation to initiate and strengthen the existing one with foreign investors.

Chinese investments in the country create 150 000 direct and over 350 000 indirect employment opportunities.

With this link, local investors and other business stakeholders must properly use this visit to create and strengthen business networks with their counterparts from China.

China considers Tanzania a close ally and business partner; therefore, the visit must be fully exploited. In the next three years, at least 200 factories, which are expected to generate 200000 employment opportunities, are set to be launched in the country with China’s support.

As Tanzania gears up for the construction of the Central Railway Line and Bagamoyo Port, Wang’s visit is a blessing since China has already committed itself to supporting such projects.