Tanzania, Iran vow stronger cooperation

DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo said yesterday that relations between Tanzania and Iran have continued to strengthen, with the two nations deepening cooperation across various sectors for their mutual benefit.

He said that Tanzania and Iran enjoy robust ties in key areas including trade and investment, education, health, energy, as well as science, technology and innovation.

Ambassador Kombo was speaking after receiving copies of credentials from the Ambassador-Designate of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Tanzania, Mr Mohammad Javad Hemmatpanah, during a brief ceremony held at the ministry’s sub-office in Dar es Salaam.

Minister Kombo congratulated Mr Hemmatpanah on his appointment and assured him of the government’s full cooperation in the execution of his diplomatic duties in the country.

Minister Kombo noted that Tanzania and Iran enjoy long-standing and friendly relations, built on mutual respect and shared interests.

For his part, Ambassador-Designate Hemmatpanah expressed the Iranian government’s commitment to enhancing and expanding cooperation with Tanzania, particularly in the areas of economic and investment partnerships, pharmaceuticals and medicine and infrastructure development.

“The Iranian government is committed to enhancing and expanding cooperation with Tanzania, particularly in the areas of economic and investment partnerships, pharmaceuticals and medicine and infrastructure development,” said Ambassador Hemmatpanah.

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Earlier, Ambassador Kombo launched the Special General Meeting of the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), where he emphasised the importance of the institution becoming the main driver of the country’s economic diplomacy.

He said that despite TCCIA’s significant contribution to trade promotion, the organisation has missed several key international opportunities, stressing that it is now time to reorganise and position itself as a solid bridge between the private sector and the government in attracting investment, markets and technology.

In his speech, Minister Kombo urged TCCIA to serve as a government advisor on international trade, to lead trade missions abroad, to provide accurate information on global markets and to assist in creating favourable conditions and access to information for foreign investors interested in doing business in Tanzania.

He added that his ministry would continue to work closely with TCCIA through the economic diplomacy platform to link the chamber with international business and investment forums. He commended TCCIA for taking the step to review and improve its constitution, urging its leaders to strengthen the organisation’s role in advancing economic diplomacy.

Ambassador Kombo said that the private sector remains the key engine for achieving the National Development Vision 2050. He said the ministry’s commitment to continuing collaboration with TCCIA in implementing strategies to grow the national economy through economic diplomacy.

For his part, TCCIA President Mr Vicent Minja said the meeting focuses on reviewing and updating the chamber’s constitution to align with current needs and changes. Mr Minja said that the process aims to ensure inclusive participation, especially for youth, women and persons with disabilities, in various leadership roles within TCCIA.