Mwinyi hails Indonesia’s economic reforms, seeks stronger ties

BALI: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has appreciated Indonesia’s economic reforms in various sectors, saying the Asian nation has inspired Tanzania.

President Mwinyi mentioned oil and gas; agriculture and industrial production as the key sectors, which have made Indonesia the tenth global economy.

Speaking at the second Indonesia-Africa 2024 forum, Dr Mwinyi said Tanzania is highly motivated by the Asian nation, especially on economic priorities, which focuses on economic growth and citizens’ prosperity.

Indonesia President Joko Widodo opened the two-day event at Mulia Hotel in Bali in which President Mwinyi is representing the union president Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Dr Mwinyi said Tanzania is ready to work with Indonesia through the Grand Design for Development Cooperation in Africa, which was initiated recently to support development initiatives.

The Zanzibar leader described the blue economy as one of the sectors on which Tanzania puts great emphasis, noting that the country especially Zanzibar is able to strengthen the economy if the opportunity is fully utilised.

Tanzania is endowed with many investment opportunities especially the blue economy that encompasses seaweed, port infrastructure, fish farming and deep-sea fishing, Dr Mwinyi said, noting that the opportunities are not fully utilised.

He said Zanzibar has registered great successes in fishing, saying the number of caught fishes increased from 38,107 tonnes in 2020 to 80,000 tonnes by December 2023.

Dr Mwinyi as well had an opportunity to meet high ranking Indonesian leaders, including President Widodo who promised to convince government companies to visit and explore investment opportunities in Tanzania.

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Indonesia’s Tourist Minister Sandiog Uno promised Dr Mwinyi that the Asian country will offer opportunities for Zanzibar youths to visit Indonesia and get training on the tourism sector.

He said the plan will include special training, workshops and practical training to equip Zanzibar youths with the relevant employment skills.