ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Hussein Ali Mwinyi has tasked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo to attract more investors for untapped opportunities in the isles.
He said the government has taken a number of measures for improving the investment sector in the isles. President Mwinyi said the government has improved the pro-business policies and incentives-a move that shows Zanzibar’s commitment to become an investment destination of choice.
“As a new Minister for the Foreign Affairs docket, we are asking you to woo more investors for the country because there are many areas that need to be developed for economic growth,” he pointed out.
President Mwinyi made the remark at the Zanzibar State House, where the minister had gone for self-introduction following his recent appointment by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Dr Mwinyi told the Minister that international relations remain important for the country’s social and economic development and urged him to focus on cementing both social and economic relations for the betterment of the nation.
“You are also in a better position to help the government get financial support through aids and loans from development partners, please do your best in this area, let’s make the economic diplomacy one of the priorities,” he noted.
Equally, he asked Mr Kombo to widen the scope of relations to Asian and far East countries, as there are still few investors from such parts of the world. He said there must be strategies to promote Tanzania in Asia and far East to attract investors and tourists in the country.
“We have been receiving many tourists from European countries, it is high time we focus in Asia and far East for the same purpose,” said Dr Mwinyi.
ALSO READ: Mwinyi urges unity, civility in politics
In a related development, he assured that the government will continue to create a conducive investment environment and infrastructure to attract investors to seize available opportunities.
“The Zanzibar government remains committed to supporting the foreign Ministry in achieving our national goals and aspirations,” he said.
Moreover, Dr Mwinyi agreed to Ambassador Kombo’s suggestion for regular executive meetings to address issues related to East African Cooperation and international relations.
Elaborating, he assured the President Mwinyi that the ministry would diligently implement his directives, including efforts to attract new investors from Asia and the Far East.
He also commended the government of Zanzibar for its achievements in various sectors, including education, infrastructure and investment projects.