ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR’S Second Vice-President, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla has reaffirmed the Isles government’s commitment to strengthening its bilateral relations with the People’s Republic of China for the mutual benefit of both nations.
He made the commitment during the meeting at his office at Vuga, Stone Town, where he held discussions with the Deputy Governor of Zhejiang Province, Mr Yang Qingjiu and his delegation, who arrived in Zanzibar to further solidify the ties between the two sides.
“The Zanzibar government appreciates the support the People’s Republic of China has extended to us in several key sectors, including health, agriculture, education, information and the construction industry,” Mr Abdulla said.
He also expressed gratitude for China’s continued assistance in the form of medical experts, who provide treatment and counselling services to patients across hospitals in both Unguja and Pemba Islands.
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Mr Abdulla said that the Zanzibar government’s priority is the development of the blue economy, which includes the tourism sector currently a leading foreign currency earner, contributing about 30 per cent to the GDP.
“We are improving the investment climate in Zanzibar and we invite more Chinese government officials to visit, as well as serious investors, to explore the many opportunities available, especially in the blue economy,” he added.
In response, Mr Yang Qingjiu, the Deputy Governor of Zhejiang Province said that their visit to Zanzibar was aimed at further enhancing the bilateral cooperation, particularly in development.
He noted that China has been an important partner to Zanzibar in various sectors, including the economy, culture and education, through initiatives like offering scholarships to Zanzibaris, both short- and long-term, as well as building the capacity of public servants in Zanzibar.
Mr Qingjiu also said that Zhejiang Province has made significant progress in trade, expressing confidence that continued collaboration with Zanzibar would create a favourable environment for businesspeople on both sides.
