Polepole hypes Mtwara corridor

TANZANIAN Ambassador to Malawi, Mr Humphrey Polepole has expressed readiness to encourage the use of Mtwara corridor to link development opportunities and promote economic growth in both countries.

He made the remarks during his tour of the region, noting that through the Mtwara corridor, citizens can transport agricultural produce and commercial goods from Malawi to Mtwara and neighbouring countries.

Mtwara corridor is a major infrastructure involving southern Tanzania, northern Mozambique, eastern Malawi and Eastern Zambia.  The corridor aims to promote trade and investment in the four countries by improving and integrating transportation and other infrastructure (e.g.  roads, bridges, ports, railway lines, telecommunications, and airports).

“I commend President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her efforts to invest in various strategic projects in Mtwara region, including rehabilitataion of Mtwara Port, Airport and construction of Southern Zone Referral Hospital.

Ambassador PolePole said that renovation of Mtwara Airport will stimulate development activities and economic growth not only in Tanzania but also in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

He added that Tanzania and Malawi have signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement where Malawian planes will land in Tanzania.

Mr Polepole further noted that his office has received a request from the Zambian representative in Malawi so that the country can use Mtwara corridor to transport cargo and explore other economic opportunities.

“The Mtwara Port also serves as an ideal gateway for commodity exports and imports such as fertilizers for some parts such as Malawi and Zambia and Mozambique,” he said.

Expounding further, Ambassador Polepole pointed out that before the end of December this year, his office will host Tanzania-Malawi Trade and Investment forum which will involve investors from both sides.

On his part, Mtwara District Commissioner, Mr Dastan Kyoba said that the visit by the Malawi delegation will help them to explore various economic opportunities available in both countries.

The acting Manager of Mtwara Port, Mr Norbert Kalembwe said that the port is capable of transporting goods and raw materials to Malawi and Zambia which will continue to support regional economies.