Tanzania co-chairs Transport Ministers’ Forum to advance technological ties with China

BEIJING: TANZANIA has been appointed Co-Chair of the Transport Ministers’ Forum being held in Beijing, China, with Minister for Transport Prof. Makame Mbarawa jointly chairing the forum alongside China’s Minister of Transport, Liu Wei.

The three-day forum has brought together more than 20 transport ministers from various countries to discuss developments in the transport sector, exchange experiences, and explore ways to strengthen transport infrastructure and services.

Speaking at the forum on September 22, 2026, Prof. Mbarawa said Tanzania has made significant investments in modern railway infrastructure, roads, ports and airports to facilitate the movement of people and goods.

He said the investments are also aimed at improving connectivity between rural and urban areas, promoting trade and expanding economic opportunities across the country.

Prof Mbarawa used the occasion to invite government institutions, development partners and the private sector to invest in Tanzania, noting that the transport sector offers a wide range of investment opportunities.

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“Tanzania has many opportunities through the transport sector. I therefore invite government institutions, development partners and the private sector to invest in Tanzania’s transport sector,” he said.

He said Tanzania’s participation in the forum provides an opportunity to share its experience, learn from technologies and approaches adopted by other countries, and explore investment opportunities in transport projects.

The forum also promotes the implementation of China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI), giving Tanzania an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation in infrastructure development, technology and investment.

Tanzania and China have a long history of cooperation in the transport sector, including through the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) and maritime transport services through SINOTASHIP. The Co-Chair position is expected to create further opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the transport sector.