New zeal for Dar, Jakarta
… Samia visit seeks to strengthen ties, forge economic partnerships
JAKARTA, INDONESIA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan commenced a pivotal three-day state visit to Indonesia yesterday to enhance bilateral relations and fostering new economic partnerships.
President Samia visit to the Southeast Asian country is coming off the heels of the visit the Indonesian president, Joko Widodo, paid to Tanzania in August last year that resulted in seven key agreements in numerous sectors including defence, energy, agriculture, livestock, fisheries and blue economy, mining, and exemption of visas for holders of diplomatic and service passports.
President Samia, in a post shared on her official X handle, expressed the significance of the bilateral relationship, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and trade, which have greatly benefited millions of Tanzanians.
The relationship between Tanzania and Indonesia marked its 59th anniversary on January 13 this year.
“I have arrived in Indonesia for a three-day state visit, following the invitation of President Widodo. Tanzania’s relationship with Indonesia has been productive for our country and millions of Tanzanians, especially in agriculture and trade,” President Samia emphasised.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation, January Makamba, hailed President Samia’s state visit as historic, noting that the last time a Tanzanian president visited Indonesia was in 1987, and before that, in 1971.
“Indonesia is one of the world’s largest economies, currently ranked at 17th position. Indonesia is among the largest market for Tanzanian products, and tomorrow (today) we will seal seven agreements of cooperation,” said Minister Makamba.
Indonesia, a country of 279.5 million people, is Southeast Asia’s largest economy with a GDP of approximately 1.32 trillion US dollars in 2022. It is set to be the sixth-largest economy in the world by 2027.
According to Mr Makamba, Tanzania has been selling various agricultural and industrial products in Indonesia including cotton, tobacco, ground nuts, tea, palm oil, soap, furniture, garment and instant noodles.
Highlighting the historical collaborative efforts between the two countries, Minister Makamba emphasised the importance of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and international diplomacy in fostering strong relations.
He acknowledged Indonesia’s diplomatic success over the past two decades and proposed collaboration between the two nations’ diplomatic schools.
“Tanzania has a diplomatic school that operates in different regions. If we work together with Indonesia to exchange techniques, knowledge, and ideas in a new strategy for diplomacy, both nations will benefit,” asserted Minister Makamba.
As part of the growing collaboration, the Diplomatic Schools of Tanzania and Indonesia have agreed to exchange students, professors, research groups and techniques to align their interests in diplomatic forums.
Minister Makamba also announced that negotiations on a Preferential Trade Arrangement (PTA) and a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) would soon commence. These agreements are crucial tools to instil confidence in investors and facilitate increased economic collaboration between the two nations.
The state visit by President Samia is anticipated to not only strengthen the existing ties between Tanzania and Indonesia but also open new avenues for economic growth and cooperation in various sectors.
Agreements signed during President Widodo visit in Tanzania included visa exemptions, health cooperation, and partnerships in energy, mining, electricity, and oil.
But this is only the beginning. President Samia’s visit is likely to result in even more beneficial relationships, focusing on Trade, investment, agriculture, and education.
The Tanzania-Indonesia Business Forum is expected to be a crucial venue for identifying new prospects and strengthening current collaborations.
Targeting tourism and business development cooperation with Indonesia, Tanzania opened its Embassy in Jakarta last year to coordinate and strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Tourism is among the key areas of cooperation between Tanzania and Indonesia. Cruise ship tourism and beach holidays are the leading tourist activities set for joint cooperation between the two states.
Both Tanzania and Indonesia are rich in marine resources which could be shared through cruise shipping between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Data shows that total trade volume between the two countries in 2022 reached 238bn/-.
In 2022, Tanzania’s export to Indonesia was about 65bn/- in comparison to 43bn/- in 2021. He said Indonesia’s import in the country in 2022 stood at about 173bn/- in comparison to about 508bn/- in 2021.
