Mwinyi hails China as key partner
Shanghai, CHINA: PRESIDENT Hussein Mwinyi has described China as a crucial partner in Zanzibar’s economic growth, appreciating effective participation of the world’s second largest economy in the isles’ economy through massive investment in various sectors.
Dr Mwinyi appreciated China as the second largest importer of Zanzibar products, with trade between the two countries growing to 66.5 million US dollars (about 190b/-) Impressive revenue collection in 2023. He attributed Zanzibar’s impressive growth in agriculture, trade and industries to the close cooperation between Zanzibar and China.
The visiting isles leader appreciated China, which he said it has been a pertinent partner in Zanzibar’s economic growth through investments in various sectors, especially construction of key infrastructure.
President Mwinyi was speaking in Shanghai city at a special workshop to boost investment, trade and tourism. Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) organized the workshop in collaboration with the Chinese embassy in Tanzania.
China has 17 investment projects with a total capital of 245 million US dollars (about 700bn/-), having created direct employment to 8,000 Zanzibaris.
The workshop is a critical move to strengthen economic and business relation between Zanzibar and China, with special focus on sustained partnership in investments as well as boosting opportunities in trade, technology and skill sharing.
President Mwinyi has as well witnessed the signing of various business contracts, which target to strengthen economic cooperation between Tanzania and China.
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Among the signed contracts are between Zanzibar Seaweed Company and Dafeng Huixiang Biochemical Products Company; Shandong Export & Credit Insurance corporation and Weihai Huatan Supply Chain Management Co. Lts; as well as Sisalana Tanzania Company Ltd and Shanghai Linghang Group.
The contracts target to boost business, including modern international market technology; product supervision as per international quality standards, value addition to products and job creation to Zanzibaris and Tanzanians in general.
The signing ceremony was attended by Tanzania’s Ambassador to China Khamis Mussa Omar, ZIPA Executive Director Saleh Saad Mohamed, ZEEA Director General Juma Burhan, TAN TRADE Director General Latifa Hamis and other government leaders from Tanzania and China, investors and traders.
Dr Mwinyi has completed his tour of China, having attended the opening of the seventh China International Import Expo where he visited various booths of exhibitors.
