state enterprises Zanzibar to deepen ties with Russia’s private sector
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has said the Isles is ready to strengthen cooperation with Russia and its private sector in key areas of development, including energy, ports and transport, tourism, education and research, health, fisheries and the Blue Economy.
Dr Mwinyi made the remarks on Monday when he met a Russian delegation led by Denis Agafonov, Head of the Directorate of Experts in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation, and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation James Millya.
He said Zanzibar saw significant opportunities to deepen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, particularly in electricity generation and access, renewable energy and nuclear energy technology.
Dr Mwinyi said preliminary scientific studies indicated the possible presence of oil and natural gas resources in Zanzibar, particularly offshore, adding that the government was ready to work with Russian companies possessing the expertise and technology required for exploration, assessment and development of the resources.
On ports and transport, he said Zanzibar’s strategic location offered opportunities to expand trade and transport links across East and Central Africa.
He said construction of the Mangapwani Integrated Port was progressing, adding that Zanzibar was ready to cooperate with Russia in port construction, technology and operational expertise to strengthen the Isles’ capacity to serve as a regional trade gateway.
On tourism, President Mwinyi said Zanzibar wanted to increase the number of Russian tourists visiting the Isles, particularly as direct air links between Zanzibar and Moscow had strengthened.
He also invited greater Russian investment in tourism projects, saying the government was ready to work with investors on initiatives aimed at adding value to the sector, expanding business opportunities and creating jobs for Zanzibaris.
ALSO READ: Tanzania seeks private sector’s investment to advance its air transport system
In education and research, Dr Mwinyi said Zanzibar sought to develop long-term cooperation with Russia by expanding scholarship opportunities for Tanzanian students, promoting joint research and establishing vocational training and research centres.
He said cooperation could also extend to marine science and technology as part of efforts to support the implementation of Zanzibar’s Blue Economy policies and development programmes.
On fisheries, President Mwinyi said Zanzibar was ready to work with Russia through technology, expertise and investment aimed at increasing production and adding value to marine products.
In the health sector, he said Zanzibar was interested in expanding the use of telemedicine to connect patients at health facilities with specialists at referral hospitals and other medical centres.
President Mwinyi thanked the Russian delegation for visiting Zanzibar and for demonstrating its commitment to strengthening cooperation between Tanzania and the Russian Federation.
He stressed the importance of translating the areas discussed into concrete projects capable of delivering tangible benefits to the people.
