Dr Samia’s visit to Russia hailed for bolstering bilateral ties in five development sectors

DAR ES SALAAM: THE  Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Dennis Londo, has said that the growing partnership between Tanzania and Russia is delivering significant benefits in investment, trade, healthcare, scientific research and industrial development following President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent visit to Russia.

Speaking on Thursday during the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), commonly known as Sabasaba, where Russia was being honored with a dedicated country day, Londo said the strong participation of Russian companies and business representatives demonstrates the strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and the emergence of new economic opportunities for Tanzania.

He noted that Russia has for many years remained an important partner in Tanzania’s human capital development through education. Hundreds of Tanzanians, including doctors, engineers and professionals from various sectors, have received training in Russia and have gone on to make significant contributions to the country’s development.

Londo said the outcomes of President Samia’s visit are already becoming evident through the growing number of Russian investors and business leaders expressing interest in investing in Tanzania. Areas of interest include pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical research, vaccine production and expanded scientific collaboration between Tanzanian and Russian institutions.

He further revealed that the Russian government has expressed its readiness to cooperate with Tanzania in space research and satellite technology development, a move expected to strengthen the country’s capabilities in science, technology and innovation.

The Deputy Minister said the Tanzanian government will continue implementing President Samia’s directives to create a more conducive business and investment environment so that Tanzanians can benefit from opportunities arising from international partnerships.

He added that the government is laying a strong foundation for the implementation of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 by increasing the value addition of locally produced goods, building a globally competitive industrial economy and attracting investment capital, advanced technologies and high-level expertise.

According to Londo, partnerships with technologically advanced countries such as Russia will play a key role in enhancing Tanzania’s production capacity, improving the competitiveness of its products in international markets and achieving the country’s long-term goal of building a modern, inclusive economy that benefits its citizens.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Andrey Avetisyan, said the Sabasaba Trade Fair continues to serve as an important platform for strengthening trade relations between Tanzania and Russia. He noted that several Russian companies are participating in this year’s exhibition with the aim of exploring new markets, establishing commercial partnerships and identifying investment opportunities in Tanzania.