Tanzania’s diplomatic missions hailed for their role in facilitating purchases of aircraft, promoting tourism, blue economy

DODOMA: THE Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo has said that Tanzania’s diplomatic missions abroad have played a critical role in securing financing for major development projects, facilitating aircraft purchases and flight permits, and promoting tourism, trade and the blue economy.

The minister made the statement during a meeting between the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security (NUU) and the ministry’s management in Dodoma noting that Tanzania’s diplomacy had contributed to progress across virtually every sector of the economy, including agriculture, transport, trade, energy, tourism and investment, by connecting the country with development partners, investors and international markets.

“In short, our embassies are involved in every aspect of the success being witnessed in the country, including securing financing for infrastructure such as the Standard Gauge Railway, aircraft procurement, obtaining flight permits for ATCL, revenue collection through tourism and visa fees, and unlocking opportunities in the blue economy,” the minister said.

Additionally, he said the ministry had continued to implement its mandate in line with the Foreign Policy of 2001, revised in 2024, resulting in significant gains for the country.

Among the achievements, he cited the expansion of Tanzania’s diplomatic representation abroad, increased trade and foreign direct investment opportunities, stronger bilateral relations, access to grants and concessional loans, and the growing global use of the Kiswahili language.

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Elaborating, he stated that the country’s diplomatic missions continued to use their positions abroad to advance the country’s economic and strategic interests while building partnerships capable of creating more opportunities for national development.

The committee members commended the ministry for its efforts to strengthen Tanzania’s diplomacy and safeguard the country’s interests internationally.

Moreover, the committee urged the ministry to step up efforts, particularly in economic diplomacy, to ensure Tanzania continues to leverage its diplomatic network to attract investment, expand markets and secure development opportunities for the country.