TZ eyes more gains from economic diplomacy
TANZANIA Ambassadors abroad have been urged to make regular evaluation of the country’s foreign policy that focuses on economic diplomacy for the nation to keep pace with changes in world.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation Dr Stargomena Tax said that countries are currently competing in utilisation of the limited natural resources in the pursuit of development and prosperity, thus the diplomats have to organise themselves and make evaluation of the policy so that Tanzania can fit in the competitive world.
Dr Tax made the remarks in her speech that was read on her behalf by the deputy minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mbarouk Nassor Mbarouk, at the opening of a workshop for Ambassadors representing Tanzania abroad in Unguja, Zanzibar.
She said that the Ministry has been given the responsibility of building strong relations and cooperation with countries abroad, regional and international bodies, adding that ambassadors have a big role to play in ensuring that the country reaps more from the economic diplomacy.
“I would like to emphasise that my office in collaboration with ambassadors should build a habit of making thoroughly evaluation of economic global trends, identifying the opportunities and challenges, which exist so that the advice given enables our stakeholders to make the right decisions,” she emphasised.
She urged them not for just submitting the documents, but initiate and closely monitor the implementation, adding that foreign policy is a reflection of internal affairs, hence, asked them to continue working on national priorities.
On his part, Permanent Secretary (PS)- Ambassador Joseph Sokoine said, the meeting which involved all 45 Ambassadors is guided by the theme” “New Direction in Strengthening Economic Diplomacy”, reflecting and shaping a new awakening in the implementation of foreign policy that aims to benefit Tanzania in aspects of international competition.”
Commenting, the Ministry’s Deputy PS Ms Fatma Rajabu said, the week-long meeting for ambassadors, is an important ‘tool’ in strengthening the implementation of economic diplomacy and foreign affairs policy in general, adding: “The meeting will provide an opportunity for the Ambassadors and the management of the ministry to discuss, exchange experiences among themselves and find solutions to the various challenges facing them.”
In addition, she said, during the meeting scheduled to close on November 21, the diplomats will discuss various topics which directly relate to the responsibilities of the Ministry as well as the performance of their work in their embassies abroad.
Speaking to editors last week, the minister noted that the meeting provides the opportunity for envoys to receive the directives from President Samia on the dimension the country is taking, while implementing the economic diplomacy policy.
On 17th November the envoys will get an opportunity to visit various tourism destinations in Zanzibar, including inspecting the implementation of strategic projects citing Malindi Port and Manga in Coast Region.
“They are scheduled to meet President Mwinyi of Zanzibar on 18th November before meeting President Samia on the following day (November 19),” said Dr Tax.
According to the minister, the meeting is crucial in creating public awareness on the government’s direction towards implementation of economic diplomacy and foreign policy.
“While in Tanzania, the ambassadors will get an opportunity to inform the public on activities carried out by their missions in their work stations,” she said, while commending the embassies abroad for their good job in implementing economic diplomacy policy of the country.
She said the embassies have so far done a great job in attracting investment, marketing various local products such as crops, promoting tourism and securing grants as well as soft loans.
