Mwinyi calls for enhanced economic diplomacy
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has called for deeper cooperation and the strengthening of economic diplomacy between Zanzibar and Japan.
He made the remarks on Tuesday during a meeting at State House in Zanzibar with Tanzania’s newly appointed Ambassador to Japan, Anderson Mutatembwa, who was bidding farewell before departing to assume his new post.
President Mwinyi congratulated Amb Mutatembwa on his appointment and wished him success in his mission, stressing the importance of focusing on three key priority areas, trade, investment and development assistance.
“Japan is home to many investors who could be welcomed to Zanzibar, particularly in sectors tied to the Blue Economy such as fisheries and marine products, tourism, sports, as well as oil and gas,” said Dr Mwinyi.
He noted that the Blue Economy remains a top strategic focus for Zanzibar and stressed the need to attract more investors from Japan to support the establishment of marine product processing industries.
President Mwinyi also pointed at seaweed trade as a promising sector, revealing that a Japanese company has already expressed interest in supplying a seaweed processing machine to Zanzibar. The goal, he said, is to increase value-added production and open up access to the Japanese market.
“This marks a crucial step in diversifying our exports and promoting value-added products,” he added.
ALSO READ: TMA addresses climate change impacts as torential rains begin
On his part, Ambr Mutatembwa assured the president of his commitment to exploring and securing opportunities for economic cooperation between Tanzania and Japan.
He said his efforts would focus on attracting projects that benefit both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, health, water and trade.
“I will work diligently to build partnerships and identify areas of mutual interest that will drive development and prosperity for our people,” Amb Mutatembwa pledged.
Meanwhile, President Mwinyi who is also the CCM Vice-Chairman (Zanzibar) has said that the progress of the ruling party’s campaigns so far, reflects strong acceptance among Tanzanians and points to victory in the upcoming elections.
Dr Mwinyi made the remarks on Monday, when he met with CCM Secretary General, Dr Asha-Rose Migiro, at State House in Zanzibar following her recent appointment to the top post.
He congratulated Dr Migiro on her appointment as the party’s chief executive and expressed confidence in her leadership abilities.
President Mwinyi also welcomed the impressive turnout at CCM rallies across regions of mainland Tanzania, where thousands of citizens have been attending, saying it demonstrates the party’s wide support and likelihood of winning the general elections.
At the same time, Dr Mwinyi thanked CCM headquarters for its support to CCM Zanzibar ahead of the official launch of campaigns scheduled for Saturday in Zanzibar.
For her part, Secretary General Dr Migiro thanked CCM for the trust placed in her and pledged close collaboration with CCM Zanzibar, working shoulder-to-shoulder during the campaign season.
